CHIN Recumbent Races

News Release

For Immediate Release

RECUMBENT CYCLISTS LEAD THE PACK IN ALL-NEW RACES AT CHIN INTERNATIONAL PICNIC.

BANNED BIKES TO BE SHOWCASED IN NEW RACES THAT PROVIDE AN ALTERNATIVE TO THE DIAMOND-SHAPED BIKE.

TORONTO, June 6, 2007 - Recumbent Bikes may still be banned from international racing but they've found a
new home at the CHIN International Community Races.

"This is very exciting because it is the first race for recumbents in Canada since the 1930s. The Tour de
France outlawed recumbents because they gave an unfair advantage to riders," said Leslie Sutch,
Treasurer of the Human Powered Transportation Association, an organization which promotes the use of
human powered vehicles, such as bicycles. In 1934, the Union Cycliste International (UCI) banned
recumbent bicycles from international racing, saying that recumbents were not bicycles. Since then,
recumbent races have come to exist in various parts of the world but international races still remain
outlawed by the UCI. On Saturday, June 30, adult recumbent racers will have a chance to compete for the
first time in the CHIN International Community Races, at the Better Living Centre, Exhibition Place, in
Toronto. While cycling races are an annual event at the CHIN International Picnic, the rec
 umbent races are new for 2007. The races are open to adults who own recumbent bikes. 

A recumbent bike is one where the rider sits back in a long, full seat with his/her legs in a horizontal
position. This position cuts wind resistance, allowing greater biking speed, while providing more
comfort and better braking. Although unconventional, these bicycles are extremely efficient for
racing. The CHIN races will feature three different types of vehicles, with a 4 or 5 lap race for each - a 
two-wheel bike race at 9 a.m., a three-wheel bike race at 10:20 a.m. and a velomobile race at 12:40 p.m.
Velomobiles are enclosed bikes that have a  similar shape to race cars but are powered by humans instead of
fuel.