April 1, 2019- USA Cycling announced today plans to incorporate a Penny-Farthing National Championship into the 2020 Elite Track National Championships in honor of the organization’s 100th anniversary. The National Championship will consist of a 50km Points Race.
“I think this is a great opportunity for cyclists to pay homage to their roots,” said Gary Sutton, Head Women’s Track Endurance Coach for USA Cycling, “I got my start and won my first World Championship on a penny-farthing bike and believe the bike handling skills I learned riding those bicycles contributed to my later success.”
Penny-farthing bicycles gained popularity in the late 1880’s and are most recognizable for their large front wheels and smaller back wheels and were known to reach speeds of up to 40km per hour.
“We are hoping to lead an international resurgence of penny-farthing racing by including the Penny-Farthing National Championship into our calendar for 2020,” said Chuck Hodge, Chief of Racing and Events, “The goal is to eventually petition for a World Championship in the event.”
More information will be announced in the coming months on qualification standards.
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