The beginning of the Studio Team's season has been fast and furious. We continue that pace with the Team participating in two races this weekend - the local race being the Purgatory Road Race this Sunday in Sutton, MA.

In its second season, Purgatory is already a great race, part of the NEBRA Ranking Series and the Cycling Made Real New England Women's 3/4 Race Series. It's a killer loop that the Pro 1/2s will be doing seven times, featuring a total of 5,700 feet of challenging climbing. But with nine races throughout the day, the Purgatory has something for practically every level of rider, from Men’s 5 to Pro 1/2. The course is a scenic 11-mile loop over classic New England terrain. Highlights include a sweeping descent behind Purgatory Chasm State Park, rolling middle miles, followed by a demanding 1 km climb to punctuate an exciting and difficult middle loop.

David Anderson from the Boston Road Club participated in the Masters 45+ (Cat 1-2) and had this to say about last year’s inaugural race:

"Wow! This first time race was fun but very hard. Kudos to the race director and all the volunteers. On the last lap I was with a familiar competitor and we took turns into the wind. Going up the final climb we rode side by side gradually increasing the pace as we approached the finish until we were in an all out sprint. I nipped him barely for 44th place. It was a humbling race.”

And this account of team tactics on the Purgatory course from Jason Clevenger of 545 Velo:

"When we hit the steep Lackey Rd climb coming into the 4th lap finish, I realized he was finally getting tired when I almost dropped him and had to wait up. By the time we got to the top of the Mendon Rd climb, the Mavic support car had pulled past us, which was a clear indicator that the gap was now over a minute – WOOHOO! I knew Matt had it now!"

In addition to the challenges and fun you’ll have on this course, participants in the Purgatory will compete for a total of $3,900 in cash, plus lots of merchandise!

If you haven’t signed up yet, field sizes are limited so don't wait to register for this great race and a good cause! We are especially impressed that all proceeds from the race will benefit the Sutton Food Pantry.

Online registration closes at 11:00pm on Thursday 9 June.

Speaking of registration, thanks to Keith Cardoza and Green Line Velo for putting on an amazing race.

We hope to see you there—Go Studio Team!