Tour de Fair Haven Time Draws Near

What has become one of largest annual events is riding into town on Aug. 12 and will feature added contests and prizes.

The fourth annual Tour de Fair Haven cyclist competition — sponsored by the borough in conjunction with The Foundation of Fair Haven, Cycles 54 (a USA Cycling Federation affiliate) and ForeFront, Inc. — is expected to attract more than 400 cyclists to its six races in a rolling 1.7-mile enclosed course throughout the borough this year.

The Tour, which has become known as one of the top bicycle races with the highest cash prizes on the East Coast, is a draw for competitive cyclists from throughout the tri-state area, Fair Haven Mayor Ben Lucarelli, an avid cyclist, said.

“This event is a great community gathering with cycling competitions unlike any other in the area,” the mayor added. “We have some of the best cyclists around registered and competing for a total of $10,000 in prizes."

The proceeds from the race, much of which comes from a host of corporate, chain and small business sponsors, go to The Foundation of Fair Haven.

The Foundation provided the funding for the Fair Haven Centennial Celebration in May as well as the other “year-long calendar of special events to mark ,” such as the regatta, garden party and Octoberfest, said Susan Sorensen, councilwoman and Foundation member.

"The remaining funds will be used to promote cycling safety within the town of Fair Haven in conjunction with our adoption of the Complete Streets policy," Lucarelli explained. "The idea will be to create dedicated cycling lanes emanating from our grammar schools first and then moving out from there to create dedicating cycling lanes and share arrows along the county roads. In addition, we will be providing some educational materials to the schools to teach the students safe cycling techniques."

This year, Sorensen said, there will be some turn-of-the-century bicycles on display. “They’re fabulous,” she said when Patch ran into her recently. “We just got them in and they’re just fascinating.”

This year the governing body passed a resolution sanctioning tailgating at the Youth Center fields on Third Street behind the police station. Residents are also encouraged to host their own front yard parties.

Also new this year are prizes for the best decorated house on the race route and best tailgate group.

Attendees will also be given cowbells to ring for cheering on racers, courtesy of Coastal Décor. There will also be a host of family-friendly entertainment.

Deadline for registration is Aug. 9. For information, on registration, sponsorships and volunteering, visit www.tourdefairhaven.com.

The race starts at 7 a.m. at the Fair Haven firehouse on River Road.

The schedule is as follows:

Race

Start Time

Distance

Entry

Places

Prizes

Category 5

Men

7 a.m.

9 Miles

$35

5

$200

Category 3/4

Men

immediately after preceding event

17 Miles

$35

10

$600

45+ Men

(no Cat 5)

immediately after preceding event

20 Miles

$35

15

$1000

Women (No Cat 5)

immediately after preceding event

17 Miles

$35

10

$500

35+ Men

(no Cat 5)

immediately after preceding event

24 Miles

$35

15

$1200

Men Pro

Category 1/2

immediately after preceding event

34 Miles

$40

25

$6500

Kids' Race

noon

n/a

Free

n/a

Ribbons