Red Hook Crit Brooklyn 2018

My coworkers, Tommy and Duncan, and I went to Brooklyn, New York for the Red Hook Crit 2018. They raced as Team Blue Lug, and I went there as a supporter and photographer.

The Red Hook Crit first started as an illegal criterium race thrown by David Trimble to celebrate his 26th birthday. It was like no permit, no sponsors, and no prize. As the event’s continued, they found big sponsors, and many professional riders from Europe and America showed up. The Red Hook Crit has grown into one of the most successful events in the history of American cycling.


The race for us was kind of bitter. Even though both of them pulled out the stops, they couldn’t get through the qualifying round. We just decided to participate the race 2 weeks ago. They weren’t 100% ready yet.

Honestly, before I went there to witness, I felt half in doubt about the race. The brakeless fixed-gear criterium race sounded too dangerous for me (because I’m Japanese maybe?) However, the event was very professional. Everything was well-organized and most of the riders were riding smooth. I was impressed.

It was literally in the right place at the right time. We had a great experience. Hope we’ll come back and compete next year.

Please check out more photos!