Azusa Twilight Race on Route 66 Debuts with Exciting Twilight Criterium Racing
Historic Route 66 Sets the Stage for a New Southern California Cycling Event
The inaugural Azusa Twilight Race on Route 66 brought elite criterium racing to the streets of downtown Azusa, introducing an exciting new event to Southern California’s racing calendar. Produced by Go Fast Andiamo and held on the Azusa’s historic Route 66 corridor, the twilight race attracted competitive fields and enthusiastic spectators who lined the course to watch high-speed action unfold throughout the evening. The event was a great way to celebrate the 100th birthday of Route 66!
A Fast Downtown Course Rewards Skill and Strategy
The criterium course featured a T-shaped course with wide streets, sweeping hairpin corners, and long straightaways that encouraged aggressive racing from the opening laps.
The layout rewarded strong bike handling and tactical decision-making, with teams constantly working to control the pace while individual riders searched for opportunities to launch attacks or position themselves for the final sprint. The combination of speed and technical corners created an exciting experience for racers and spectators alike.
Chloe Patrick Captures the Inaugural Pro Women’s Victory
The Pro Women delivered an exciting race filled with attacks, counterattacks, and tactical racing as the field navigated the fast downtown circuit. The pace remained high throughout the event before the race came down to a sprint for the victory.
Chloe Patrick (Caldera Medical x Aurea Racing) claimed the inaugural Azusa Twilight Race title with a strong finishing effort. Morgan James (A Faster Me) crossed the line in second, while Akari Sayuri Valenzuela Urrea (Auto-Tec Femmes) secured third place to complete the podium.
Pro Women Results
- Chloe Patrick (Caldera Medical x Aurea Racing)
- Morgan James (A Faster Me)
- Akari Sayuri Valenzuela Urrea (Auto-Tec Femmes)
Christian Arriagada Wins the Inaugural Pro Men’s Race
The Pro Men featured a strong field of elite riders that maintained a fast pace around the downtown circuit as teams battled for control and riders tested the field with repeated accelerations and included a long solo effort by Jose Burciaga (S2C/BOSCH pb Eliel) that was ultimately caught.
As the race entered its final laps, positioning became increasingly important before the sprint decided the inaugural champion. Christian Arriagada (Team Quality Lab) powered to victory after a composed and impressive performance. Alex Akins (SpeedBlock-Terún Cycling) finished second following a strong sprint, while Jenaro Perez Sanchez (Dm Pro Cycling) earned third place to round out the podium.
Pro Men Results
- Christian Arriagada (Team Quality Lab)
- Alex Akins (SpeedBlock-Terún Cycling)
- Jenaro Perez Sanchez (Dm Pro Cycling)
A Successful Debut for Downtown Azusa
The inaugural Azusa Twilight Race on Route 66 successfully combined elite cycling competition with a welcoming community atmosphere, creating an event that showcased the excitement of criterium racing in a unique downtown setting. The fast course, spirited crowds, and competitive racing throughout the evening provided an entertaining experience for riders and spectators alike.
With memorable inaugural winners, exciting racing in both the women’s and men’s events, and a course that encouraged aggressive competition, the Azusa Twilight Race has established a strong foundation for future editions. The successful debut suggests the event has the potential to become a popular summertime tradition and a highlight of the Southern California cycling calendar.
Results – All Categories
Full Results & Upcoming Events
Video
Watch the day’s racing action of the Azusa Twilight Race on Route 66 and video coverage from LA Crits.
