Lafayette Students Race in Easton Cycling Event

By Bryan Hay

Members of Lafayette’s student cycling club and other student cyclists participated in the first-ever Easton Twilight Criterium Bike Race on Sept. 4.

Organized by former competitive cyclist Michael Malekoff ’75, the Easton event was part of Tour of Somerville in central New Jersey, the longest-running bicycle race in North America, founded in 1940. Malekoff serves as its executive director. Under a sunny, late summer day hundreds of bicyclists covered a closed route of less than a mile throughout the downtown, ending on Larry Holmes Drive.

“For me, personally, I was incredibly grateful for the opportunity to represent Lafayette on the podium in my first criterium,” said Nathan Keller ’23, who placed second in the men’s novice race.

“The race was an awesome experience for the whole team. Beyond the thrill of racing though the streets of downtown Easton, we were excited to meet the race organizers, interact with local business owners and cyclists, and watch the pros race later that evening,” he added. “Hearing people cheer us on at every corner was amazing, and we’d like to extend our thanks to everyone involved with setting up the race and all fans that contributed to the fantastic atmosphere. We hope this event returns next year and look forward to competing again.”