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The Steel City Showdown Brings Bike Racing to Pittsburgh North Shore

PITTSBURGH - In less than one month, on Sunday, April 17, Pittsburgh will host the Steel City Showdown, a one-of-a-kind criterium style bicycle race, featuring a downtown course that loops over bridges on Pittsburgh's North Shore. Cash and prizes totaling more than $4,000 will be awarded in categories ranging from kids and junior racers under age 19 to over-50 Masters. The event also features competitive women's races, offering prize money equal to the men's top fields.

Allegheny General Hospital Sports Medicine is title sponsor for this unique event that promotes fitness, bicycle racing, and the city of Pittsburgh. "We are very happy and honored to serve as title sponsor for the first Steel City Showdown," said Dr. Patrick DeMeo, Director of AGH Sports Medicine. "We expect the event to serve as a showcase for Pittsburgh, and we hope the sight of these amazing athletes in action will spur interest in bicycle racing and prompt others to consider biking for fitness and transportation."

The Steel City Showdown was first run in 2008 as a collegiate race, and was remembered fondly as the "bridge crit" by local and regional racers. However due to lack of a promoter, the race did not return. Last summer, four enthusiastic members of Steel City Endurance and Iron City Bikes Racing Teams decided to bring the Showdown back to Pittsburgh, for the love of bike racing and their hometown. This is the first year under their promotion, and they aim to work with AGH Sports Medicine in making it a huge success.

With hundreds of racers and spectators expected, organizers aim to create an event that is fun for everyone. The Showdown Tailgate, located between the racers' parking lot and starting line, will provide a sideline festival atmosphere. In addition to local bike shops and national cycling brands, the Tailgate will feature sponsors, such as AGH Sports Medicine, charity organizations, such as Team H2Ope and the MS150, and local nonprofit organizations, such as Venture Outdoors and Bike Pittsburgh.

"The Steel City Showdown is incredibly important for the city" said Scott Bricker, Executive Director of Bike Pittsburgh. "It's been far too long since Pittsburgh has been host to a bike race that attracts people here from all around the region to watch and participate. Kudos to the organizers and sponsors for putting Pittsburgh back on the map as a bike-racing city."

This event would not be possible without the support from the 2011 race's generous sponsors, who have helped bring back urban racing to Pittsburgh. Allegheny General Hospital Sports Medicine, Cycling Fusion, Eat'n Park, Bruce Construction, Brunner, Sota Construction, Hyatt Place Pittsburgh North Shore, Northwest Mutual Financial Services, PNC Bank, Print Scape, and more.

Registration is available at www.bikereg.com up to 48 hours before the first race. Race-day registration is available for an additional fee. More information is available on the website.

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