Riders zip by as 'Crit' race kicks off Spring Fling
Olivia Ray considers herself a fierce competitor, always looking for a challenge. So she was eager to compete in the 14th annual Spartanburg Regional Healthcare System Criterium Pro Cycling Race on Friday night, the kickoff to this year's Spring Fling. The Criterium is part of USA CRITS Speed Week Racing Series. Thousands of spectators lined streets on Converse, Main and Church to cheer on cyclists competing in several different divisions. Ray, of New Zealand, warmed up on a stationary bike before hitting the track. She is studying at Savannah College Art and Design and has enjoyed racing in major cycling events across the country. "I just like competing and seeing the support that we get," Ray said. "I definitely feel the spectators when I am racing, especially when they get loud and encourage us to race. It's so much fun."
