(Reported by Zhou Wei, Integrated Media Reporter of Cycling Circle) On September 16, 2018, China's Hurricane Criterium Fixed Gear Race arrived in the birthplace of fixed gear cycling — the United States. The event promoted fixed gear culture and engaged in exchanges across three major cities: Los Angeles, San Francisco, and New York. It culminated in a successful Hurricane Criterium Fixed Gear Race at New York's Tompkins Square Park, the site of the first-ever alleycat race.
The organizing team of the Hurricane Race brought China’s premier fixed gear brand event and culture abroad to the world stage. The event was a great success and received widespread praise from international fixed gear enthusiasts. Many local overseas Chinese expressed pride and honor in seeing a Chinese team bring the event to New York.
Left: Hurricane Founder Wang Haibo; Middle: Stone; Right: Cooper
Over the two-day competition, more than 50 professional riders participated in the events. Fixed gear veteran Stone also made a personal appearance (parts of the movie Premium Rush were inspired by Stone’s real-life experiences, including the bicycle used by the main character, which belonged to Stone himself), cheering on this cultural celebration of fixed gear cycling between China and the United States.
Left: Mission Crit Founder James; Right: Hurricane Founder Wang Haibo
When speaking about the event after the race, Hurricane founder Wang Haibo stated that for a culture to grow, it must engage with the outside world. Stagnation leads to decline. Just like fixed gear culture — although it originated abroad, localizing it and integrating it with traditional Chinese culture is what we need to do now. We also hope that riders who love fixed gear can feel the joy of this cultural exchange. Therefore, on October 6th in Chengdu, fixed gear enthusiasts from around the world will come together, and the main event is about to begin.
According to reports, the Chengdu stop of the Hurricane Race on October 6th will kick off at the Chengdu International Intangible Cultural Heritage Expo Park. The competition includes criterium races, sprint races, Long Skid, and various fun events. Riders will include not only local Chinese participants but also athletes from the United States, France, the United Kingdom, Russia, South Korea, New Zealand, and other countries. There will also be interactive booths from internationally renowned brands such as the Durex experience zone and the Thule (Thule) exhibition area.
It is clear that the Chengdu stop of the Hurricane Race will not only be an annual highlight for fixed gear culture but may also become a must-visit destination for tourists coming to Chengdu during the National Day holiday.