There was a new, heart-pumping, fast-paced spin on this year’s Home Days celebration — the first-ever Gear Up Velo Independence Criterium.
The inaugural bike race was a partnership between the city and local bike shop Gear Up Velo, owned by Brian and Kate Rybak.
“Every year, the City of Independence tries to raise the bar and improve the Home Days experience for everyone who attends,” says Independence Mayor Gregory Kurtz. “The Independence Criterium is a unique race that [was held] in the heart of the city on a closed track where bike racers flew by fast while being cheered on by family and friends. It is something different and exciting to add to our Home Days celebration.”
The closed course race was held Aug. 5 across the street from Independence City Hall on the three-quarter-mile loop in the Independence Technology Center’s parking lot adjacent to the Hemlock Trail, says Kate Rybak.
“We started talking with the city a little over a year ago about the possibility of having a bike race here since there aren’t a lot of bike races at the end of summer,” she says. “But it was important to us that this race was for kids in addition to cycling professionals.” Kids were encouraged to do one loop along the course, while adults completed multiple laps.
The event was sanctioned by USA Cycling, the national organization for bike racing based out of Colorado, Brian Rybak says. He and his wife have owned Gear Up Velo since 2020, where they sell everything from kids bikes and equipment to pro-level racing bikes for both road and mountain biking.
The couple is hoping to collaborate with other local racing clubs to expand the Criterium into a multi-race series.
“This is something where cyclists and the city can both benefit from in so many ways,” Kate says. “We have traveled to several communities that have amazing bike races, and the community creates a block party-type atmosphere around it for businesses, residents and visitors.”
Knabe Law Firm, a strong supporter of the local cycling community, was the race’s title sponsor.
