Women's racing clinics successful in Portland

Summer women's clinics designed to introduce potential racers to the sport at the Portland International Raceway in Oregon have been a success. Organizers were impressed by the turnouts of 10 to 15 women per clinic.

"Just a few years ago we were seeing a downturn in women at bicycle races in Oregon, and many racers were wondering why," said Organizer Jim Anderson. "We came up with the idea to help grow the sport from the bottom up and get more women excited about bicycle racing ­ hopefully the momentum will keep going!"

"I love working with the beginner women because you can't help but be reminded of what it was like to experience the rush of hanging in the pack for the first time or sprinting for the line and going harder than you ever imagined you could go. So many of the women are afraid of being dropped their first time, and instead find that they can stay with the group and are actually contesting at the end," said clinic leader Kendra Wenzel.

"We will continue to grow the clinic series and look forward to offering it for new women riders in the 2009 series."

The clinics and race series wrap up on August 25. For more information, visit www.racemondaynight.com.