Hundreds of Bikers Compete in Connecticut Cycling Festival

Cyclists are weaving through the city streets of Hartford Sunday morning, competing in the Connecticut Cycling Festival races.

The first race started a little before 9 a.m. and there will be different races throughout the day.

The the amateur race is underway and professional races start early afternoon. Cyclists are riding a figure 8 course. It starts on Asylum Avenue by the XL Center and covers a one-mile circuit through four downtown city blocks on Ann Uccello, Pearl and Allyn Streets. The racers will also travel on part of Trumbull Street between Pearl and Asylum.

There are hundreds of cyclists from all across the state participating in the races.

"It's pretty intense 45 minutes of your heart rate getting way up there. It's hurts, but it's fun," cyclist Grant Gorczyca, of Higganum, said.

Many of them are on teams and have spent a considerable amount of time training.

"You know when it's raining it's always a challenge," cyclist Jonathan Quiza, of Fairfield said. "It's like a mental game. So I'm just trying to win."

Hartford police have the area blocked off, so seek alternate routes if you're traveling through the capital city on Sunday. 

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