After racing two years in New York City, I can confidently say that the local cycling culture features a unique category I haven't seen before: The Park Races. Next to the races in Central Park, almost every other weekend you will find a bike race in the early weekend mornings in Prospect Park. With the 2025 season starting very soon, let's dive deeper into the Prospect Park races and look ahead of the season.

An introduction to Prospect Park Racing

Prospect Park's cycling races distinguish itself from the events held in Central Park, in several key ways. Firstly, Prospect Park races operate under a points system, featuring two cup competitions. These cups are designed to accumulate points across multiple races, leading to overall classifications where the number #1 will wear the Yellow Jersey. 

Secondly, Prospect Park race participation is based on a per-race entry fee, making it easy to start racing in the Cat 5 for those new to the sport and not sure if they want to sign up for a full season. This fee covers all necessary support services associated with the race, so no need for marshaling. Racing is more expensive than signing up for riding a season with CRCA.

Finally, a valid race license issued by USA Cycling (USAC) is a strict requirement for all racers participating in Prospect Park events.

Fight for the Jerseys! 

Based on the small bike race in France (around July), you will find the opportunity to race for similar jerseys in Prospect park. Cat 5 doesn't have any jerseys and finish high enough and the upgrade points (on your USAC license) will promote you to Cat 4.

The Yellow Jersey: General Classification (GC): Fight for the points! Points are awarded to the top 10 finishers, and the series leader earns the prestigious Yellow Kit. 

King of the Mountain: KOM Points: Dominate the hill sprints! Two chances per race to grab points for the top 3 climbers. Wear the iconic polka-dot kit and prove you're the best on the ascents.

Sprint Supremacy: Green Jersey Battle: Explosive speed wins with a good leadout! Two sprint opportunities at the Start/Finish line. The top 3 earn points and the chance to wear the Green kit.

Masters' Distinction: Silver Jersey: Show your experience! Masters 45+ riders battle for points, with the top 5 finishers earning a place in the standings. The series leader wears the distinguished silver kit.

Race dates & Community rides

• 02/23/25 Prospect Park Spring Classic p/b RUBBER N' ROAD

• 03/09/25 Lucarelli & Castaldi Cup #1

• 03/23/25 Verge Series #1

• 03/30/25 Lucarelli & Castaldi Cup #2

• 04/06/25 Prospect Park Series Race #4 afterwards -> TBD Community Ride

• 04/13/25 Prospect Park Series Race #5

• 04/20/25 Prospect Park Series Race #6

• 06/07/25 Prospect Park Series Race #7

• 06/14/25 Prospect Park Series Race #8

• 07/12/25 Prospect Park Series Race #9

• 07/19/25 Prospect Park Series Race #10

• 08/02/25 Prospect Park Series Race #11 afterwards -> TBD Community Ride

• 08/09/25 Prospect Park Series Race #12

• 08/16/25 Prospect Park Series Race #13

• 08/30/25 Prospect Park Series Race #14

• 10/04/25 Kissena Fall Classic (Brooklyn)

* GC per race is TBD.

Race Strategies prospect park

Taking from my experience riding in Cat 3/4 field. A lot of these races tend to finish with everyone sprinting together at the very end. It happens really often. What usually happens is, as you get to the last lap, the speed suddenly goes way up. You'll see all the teams trying to get their riders to the front, because they want to be in the best spot for that final sprint. Now, if you're not planning on joining that sprint, you can do something different. A good trick is to attack on that Prospect Park hill. When you do that, you'll see all the teams in the sprint must suddenly chase you.

Another smart move you can make in the race is after coming down the hill on the south side of the park, something interesting happens. Because everyone's just finished going downhill fast, they tend to slow down a bit at the bottom. It's like everyone's catching their breath, and the whole peloton bunches back together. Now, this moment is a perfect chance to try and get ahead. Especially if you're riding with a team, you can use this slowdown to your advantage. You can try to 'break away' from the pack.

You can also try this when you're at the front of the pack: ride up Prospect Hill at a slower pace, and then start to accelerate. By doing that, you're basically stretching out the hill. It makes it feel much tougher for everyone else, because they have to work harder for a longer period of time.

See you in Prospect Park soon!