Tour of Valley enjoys growth cycle

July 11, 2011 at 12:00a.m.

YOUNGSTOWN

Like a fine wine that seems to get better with age, the Tour of the Valley bicycle race is attracting a larger, more competitive field each year.

Sunday’s final competition, part of which took place at Youngstown State University, drew more than 340 competitors, up nearly 75 from a year ago.

”You would be hard pressed to find a better field than the one that is here in Youngstown this weekend, said race announcer and Columbus native J. Baumeister.

“With national champion David Wenger and many other past, multiple national champions here today, this is undoubtedly the most attractive field in the nation this weekend,” he added.

Erik Hamilton of Indiana took top honors in the Men’s Pro, Category 1-2 competition. Christine Schryvner, a Rochester, N.Y., native, earned top laurels in the Women’s, Category 1-2 event.

“We are so very proud of everything the entire weekend. The support from the community has been nothing less than fabulous, and everything from volunteers to sponsors has been well-received,” Erin Quinlan, tournament co-director, said.