Zirbel wins Clear Lake bicycle race

Sun July 08 2007
Posted Jul 8, 2007
8,876

By ARIAN SCHUESSLER, arian.schuessler@globegazette.com CLEAR LAKE - Colorful jerseys dotted the county roads around Clear Lake as cyclists competed in a bike race on Sunday morning. The United States Cycling Federation sanctioned road race was held in conjunction with third annual Bicycle, Blues & BBQ Festival. Adult riders chose between 42 and 72 mile courses while juniors rode a 17-mile route. A total of 131 racers, four of whom were professional cyclists, participated in the event. One of the professional riders, Tom Zirbel, a native of Clear Lake, won the 72-mile race. Zirbel rides for Priority Health Cycling Team, one of only 15 International Cycling Union Continental teams in the United States. “Having this event gives those who are interested in racing an opportunity to race here in North Iowa,” said Earl Hill of the North Iowa Spin Cycling Club. The number of racers has more than doubled since the first race in 2005. “The sport of cycling has been growing, some say that cycling is becoming the new golf,” said Tim Putnam, president of the North Iowa Spin Cyling Club. All results are posted at http://northiowaspin.blogspot.com/