GCN Vs The Red Hook Crit | Fixed Gear Criterium Racing

The Red Hook Crit is arguably the most unique event in cycling at the moment. One gear, no brakes, and super high speeds, we sent James there to see how he'd get on!
In association with LOOK Cycle.
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Credit to:
For Thumnail image: Tornanti_cc
For James' Photo - Hugh McManus
For Red Hook Footage - Red Hook Crit and Tito Capovilla
The Red Hook Crit began in Brooklyn 10 years ago, and since then has grown across four countries to become one of the most exciting spectacles in sport.
We sent James out to the final Red Hook Crit of the season in Milan to see if he could negotiate the carnage and make it to the epic night time final! James has raced criteriums throughout his career at a really high level, but this was a completely different challenge for him!
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If you'd like to contribute captions and video info in your language, here's the link - gcn.eu/Tj
Watch more on GCN...
Ollie's Everesting Challenge 📹 gcn.eu/Everesting
Music: Epidemic Sound
Abstract Indie Nr 02
British Indie 8
Frozen Tears
Get With It
If Only I Was a Poet - Staffan Carlén
If Only I Was a Poet (Instrumental Version) - Staffan Carlén
Indie A Go Go 3
Indie A Go Go 5
Look Away - Boomo
Lucid Dreaming (Instrumental Version)
Mi Fiesta
Misericorde
Neon
Not Funny (Instrumental Version)
Not Funny
Prologue - Brendon Moeller
Superior - Silver Maple (1)
The Memory Of Strangers - Yonder Dale
The Night
Tomahawk - Tigerblood Jewel
You Can't Stop Me Baby (Buddee Remix) - Mondays
Photos: © Velo Collection (TDW) / Getty Images & © Bettiniphoto / www.bettiniphot...
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Leave us a comment below!

[@Redhookcrit]

The best possible way to experience the RHC is to race in it! We are happy to see GCN and James in the field and impressed by his performance.

[@mansbre]

Been following the RHC for a while, but through what media can I watch the races. I’m sure with more exposure it could be huge. Love it 👍🏻

[@MrMrilikepie1234]

@@jameslowsley-williams4243 Legend!

[@erichaheidrich4593]

No thanks. I don t need any unnecessary broken bones. I like to ride my bike all season.

[@Offline.Greedy]

How do I get into a red hook ?

[@joshnicholson2934]

When are you gonna be back?

[@mackenzieelsner4357]

The new presenters are really growing on me. Great job guys.

[@MatthiasG1899]

Still miss Matt though

[@mackenzieelsner4357]

@@MatthiasG1899 me too. I watched a video the other day of him with a new sworks bike and it reminded me how great Matt is.

[@danmathis4046]

Agree!!

[@thisgameisokay]

They're good dudes

[@billc7211]

The channel inspires me on my bike all the time. The new gang is great!

[@NicholasJens]

I absolutely love the way this channel has evolved. You guys are killing it. Inspiring me to ride every day🤘🏼

[@M5Dri3rz]

They did awesome with the format of this. It was exciting even as a spectator

[@alantippett7602]

If only the Red Hook Crit would return.... watching this again after 2 years makes me realise what a great format it was.

[@id.unknown1283]

Good job Hank and good job GCN. We better see you and Ollie next year on the tarmac... no backing out Ollie

[@d.z.2550]

And see you at fixed42

[@id.unknown1283]

@@d.z.2550 so right they really should cover it in person rather than just a passing mention on the GCN show

[@JBDazen]

Why does Ollie call James Hank?

[@gregboyd5815]

my guess would be association of James surname with famous singer Hank Williams en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hank_Williams and hence nickname of Hank

[@alejandro.shot5]

10:27 That yellow bike with blood is so Kill Bill's. At least it's not other people's blood.. I hope.

[@pulafun]

if you refer to Kill Bill, then it cannot be the presenters blood can it?

[@jonpoon3896]

Matt, Si and Dan are great presenters. But it’s also awesome to see some guys that are still in their prime enough to get on the inside of these events

[@tomb2722]

Bloody hell. That's some compelling viewing. You had me properly invested. When Hank said, 'do I have to do it?', I'm screaming no, don't do it you crazy person! And I was welling up when he crashed! Utmost respect. Massive congrats. And GCN, this new format, bringing in more folk to focus on more big feature stuff in addition to the usual, is epic. Well done all!

[@cphilipbrown]

First off that was a great video. I love these videos where presenters do something that scares them. Ollie's Everesting video, this one, the GTN Ironman WC from last year. Second, can we please have more content around crit racing generally? Not just Red Hook. Its really fun fast and a little dangerous. There is a pretty big crit scene in the US midwest so I'm sure a loot of viewers would love to see it.

[@onnomeeuwis4001]

I guess Emma's cyclocross thing is another one of the challenges for one of the new presenters. I'm wondering what challenge Chris is going to do. These videos are very nice indeed

[@patrickwelch6020]

Phil Brown crit racing in the Midwest is about all we have out here

[@peter_smyth]

14:34 Ditches the microphone during the interview to grab his beer :D

[@dangurtler7177]

Gotta have your priorities straight...

[@tmbmtl]

Another fine editing job, kudos GCN. Great to see James so stoked after the race.

[@ajlong404]

Absolutely agree. This video included great story telling, excellent videography, sound design, and editing! Yaaaaassss!

[@nem.dc33]

The best youtube cycling channel just got much better! Can we have more fixed gear/track content, please? Actually, can we get a brand new channel - #GCNfixed Cheers!

[@alantippett7602]

GCN Fixed, cool idea!

[@counph]

I love this idea! #GCNfixed

[@s_t_r_a_y_e_d]

Been asking for more track and street fixed gear content forever!

[@edsoptics3116]

Bump on this! More track/fixed crit racing

[@bytesizedkidgamer]

Yes!!

[@Schabo1234]

You cannot get this adrenalin kick with strava....you have to ride a real race !! Well done James !!!

[@SonjaTheDork]

Agreed. I've done a very small handful of races, only one of which was a crit (not fixed gear, just normal bike) but you don't get that kind of experience going solo or just on strava.

[@szabiakanich]

Fixed gear racing is just crazy town. Respect to anyone who is crazy enough to enter such a race. Great video!

[@mikeschuch3590]

Møre of GCN racing pleas

[@ozan3076]

Brøther

[@panzerveps]

Møre? As in Møre og Romsdal, the county in Norway?

[@dan110024]

Totally! Good way to promote club racing

[@anthonyhomercycling]

Taiwan KOM coming soon

[@roberthealey6820]

Yes, yes, yes! That was awesome!

[@tbone25]

That was awesome! To see James, a presenter, out there racing was so cool. We were on the edge of our seats. Keep it up GCN! More fixed gear content!

[@michaelr148]

Nuff respect, James, you're a beast. Ollie, great commentating. Beers well earned.

[@noelarches2894]

GCN is getting awesome and more awesome. Please keep making content like this, totally enjoyed all of it. Good job hank ✌

[@PrinceChanning]

You could feel the atmosphere and the intensity through watching the video. Please, please, please do more crit videos. ESPECIALLY red hook!

[@Dennis4523]

I love how fixed gear bikes always have the most stunning paint jobs . And getting into fixed gear racing does not cost a loan from the bank .

[@HeathroN]

well those bikes they ride in the pro races are still 1500+ euro's, but indeed not 5000 euro's or something like that

[@Dave435l]

Maybe the hospital though haha

[@SamuelBlackMetalRider]

No for that LOOK Madison the frame ALONE is 1700€. The CORIMA Wheels the same. So that’s easily 3000€ wheels & frame. Saddle bars stem seatpost ok let’s say 250€. Good tubulars 90€. That’s close to 3500€. 1500€ is a low budget Fixed-gear Crit bikes. All the A-Level riders have a 3000€ build at least

[@KandiKlover]

@@Dave435l they’re not in a third world country like the USA so no worries on that part.

[@jasonzheng5839]

@@HeathroN you could potentially get a well sorted bike for $500-$1000 to race in one of these though

[@wombatkore]

I have waited years for GCN to cover fixed gear racing. This year, that wait ended. Amazing work GCN! Sidenote - no Ollie and Alec Briggs reunion?

[@HelenWilkie]

Wow that was pretty thrilling for a channel I originally discovered cos I wanted to learn how to wrap bar tape :D top work lads!

[@russellbrown8760]

Best GCN video ever.

[@remotecontrol9874]

Awesome coverage. Reminds me of my first motocross race when I was 15 years old. Nervous at the start line, but at the end of the race I realized how much I love racing.

[@rickiovine2170]

GNC: Great video! James: outstanding effort! GLOBAL CYCLING NETWORK: Thank you for being you. The opioids for us cycling addicts. As a former rider of a (converted 1988 Raleigh Technium frame; 39x17) fixed gear this brought back my fondest cycling memories. I loved riding that bike! It was cycling at its purest. No frills. One gear. One brake. No coasting. Aluminum frame. Faded, and beat up from races in the 80’s, when it was a normal 20 gear top of the line road bike, with friction shifters and clips. I loved watching James perform so well in such a challenging race. I began cycling when I lived in New York and knew of the Red Hook. I never considered attempting such a terrifying race! Those guys were too good, and hit speeds on turns that I had yet to master. James is obviously a terrific cyclist. I think that he truly felt that with a bit more help closing gaps, and a bit more time on that beautiful fixed, he could have been in the lead group. He was racing with guys who competed on the velodrome and were comfortable on the fixed. Give James the same experience and he could win this event. GNC, you are the best! Keep these videos coming. Cyclists like myself, who’s glory days are long gone, need this channel. Most addicts reach for the syringe; I reach for my selector, and get high floating in the stream. (Ok. That is a bit over the top.)

[@ZOB4]

Red Hook Brooklyn is one of my favorite days of the year. Great job Hank, and thanks for the content GCN! Glad to see the support for Red Hook and fixed gear racing.

[@FlatSpinMan]

These longer challenge videos are the biz! Great seeing everyone out of their comfort zone and bricking it. There must be a lot of added pressure wearing the very well-known GCN jersey, too. Everybody is gunnin’ for you.

[@dexxis9562]

Awesome to see GCN on this event! I've been cycling for about 5 years and fixed gear is what I ride. I got to know the channel right when I started and have been learning and adapting what I can from road cycling. Means a lot to see the fixed gear world aknowledged!

[@davidslater6672]

Really enjoyed that vid and watched it twice, one straight after the other!!! The nervous tension really showed 👍 Hats off to you James!!! Really well done mate. Your nerves will be better next year so.you'll smash it 💪💪💪

[@RodrigoRangel1]

This is the best GCN video I've seen. Fucking amazing content. I felt like I was there and it made me want get into crits!

[@lindsaylavallee5012]

STRONG RIDE !!!! To go out and qualify then finish the final in your first Red Hook race is EPIC ... Please bring more fixed gear crit racing to the channel especially when with the high quality of racers and races around London ..

[@johannamortberg3080]

Hats off to James for this challenge! True daredevil spirit. I would never have the courage to do this but it sure was inspiring to watch. Go get them next year!

[@johannamortberg3080]

Dear James! I might be the GCNCC Community President, but I'm also a middleaged little old lady who hasn't yet thrown my sense of self preservation out the window. At my age I need to protect my collar bones, femurs and other vital body parts. I leave this fixie thing to daring young lads like you and GCN. ;)

[@johannamortberg3080]

Watching a Red Hook Crit would be cool. I'm not too sure about riding a fixie. I've never even done that, so if I do, I would start somewhere safe and not with a race. :D

[@kevinstanley3581]

I'm a MTB fan but some of the content on GCN is awesome. This is probably one of my favourite videos so far with the bar already set pretty high. I can only imagine what the atmosphere is like at the race. One to experience I think.

[@douglaspate9314]

What an incredible video. One of my Top 10 GCN videos EVER!!!! Next year sign Hank up for all of them! Superstar!!!

[@brianbranney]

Great content as usual. Best bike channel on KZbin by a country mile.

[@barmarcelo]

Uhuuu!!! Great job! RHC is pure blood and tears... Cheers from Brazil. Loving the channel!! Keep on!

[@lolyeet3443]

I came into this channel loving road bike and left loving fixed bikes. Jk i will stay!!! all bikes are amz. ❤️ Road, mtb, bmx, fixed everything...

[@gabrielrivest3872]

What an absolute animal this Hank. He crashes, gets abused by other racers and wants some more. Total dedication. One of the best GCN video.

[@thetheflyinghawaiian]

Hank's a BEAST (new fastest presenter for sure)

[@MihoStreams]

Depends what terrain, up a hill Oscar slays them all

[@citizend13]

oscar's mustache slays all

[@kohfi]

Oscar’s climb and Dan can “motor” up a hill hehehe

[@aerojetrocketdyners-2538]

OSCAR:CATCH THEM ALL

[@stevecrabb1]

That was just great. Along with Ollie's everesting, hands down the best videos GCN has put out. Thanks!

[@ajlong404]

Si's Moroccan bike packing video was gorgeous as well.

[@bondthefifth]

Now that's a proper GCN cinematic documentary. Feels really dark, bloody, but as well engaging. That fires me up. Well done mate!

[@imilic8]

Great video! You should edit it into a full length documentary.

[@AbdullahAli-hv5ym]

Bad boy

[@pauloosterhout]

That was so exciting. This is one of the best GCN videos ever! Hank's riding was amazing considering he had never ridden a fixed gear criterion before. Thank you Hank, Ollie and the GCN production team.

[@nadsv93]

2 years later, still my favorite GCN video. No ultegras, no canyons, no 12k bikes. I've seen Aventon, Pistas and classic fixed gears ride in Red Hook.

[@matthewkitchen10]

One of the best GCN videos! Really entertaining and the best recap and insight video of a Red Hook event anywhere on the internet.

[@williampringle1790]

Hank “the Crank”...you are da man! Thanks to both you and Ollie for brillantly capturing the flavor of this totally insane race. We appreciate all the hard work you guys put into this. I hope you get to keep that sweet-looking Look track bike. 👍

[@AFreezer]

I love it GCN!, please more fixed gear stuff!!

[@2Petya]

I second that! More fixed stuff if possible pls! :)

[@Fundando]

@@2Petya I'll third that.

[@listamon]

4th

[@misomonster]

Just when you think GCN can't get better! One of my all time favourite vids this, bloody brilliant! James did exceptionally well. Gotta get James to do the entire series next year, do a VLOG on his training and bike setup ETC, and the races of course. MORE FIXED GEAR PLEASE! :)

[@robertdiez3091]

I'm racing the red hook in NYC next year. No matter where i finish it will be a learning experience touching elbows with some pros. I've done it in a few pro races this year with usa crit guys. Working hard this off season.

[@MattSezer]

You'll have a great time for sure. I did the Brooklyn race for the first time this year and got lapped during the qualifiers, but still had an amazing time. I'm kind of the opposite of the GCN guys though, as I'd done a lot of fixed gear messenger races, but technically Red Hook was the first crit I ever did. I learned a lot and I'm definitely doing it next year. Good luck!

[@Toitler1]

Thoroughly enjoyed this insight into crit racing. Hank smashed it for his first go! It’s as good as you going to get to experience crit racing without actually riding it. Would love to give it a bash now. Top work gents!

[@Vigospain]

7:51 that look of resignation when you know there's no turning back! Great video!

[@lifeofarthid3232]

Best racing documentary by GCN yet. Great job guys. Thank you for doing this

[@cconcannon5145]

That was awesome. Really got across the nerves, the adrenaline and the vibe. Nice one lads...and really hope you do come back next year to give it a really good tear-up

[@Stefanosinf]

Great episode, absolutely fantastic job from the film crew, and from James of course.

[@timhepworth7867]

Didnt think the channel could get any better then you pull out this video ! Please keep producing awesome videos like this !

[@woolfel]

Sweet! covering red hook crit is cool. The whole red hook crit is bonkers and exciting.

[@lawrencewinter]

Great video - really enjoyed that, and well done to Hank for getting stuck in. Pushing yourself to take on something you were initially nervous about and came out swinging. Credit to Look for the bike.

[@funkdified1]

Came back to watch this again. Arguably the best GCN video to date. Hank you’re a beast. And Oli’s commentary was perfect.

[@paulbroomhead8427]

Absolutely brilliant video and Hank has truly earned his GCN stripes with his efforts in the RHC 👏 As much as I love road racing, it does take itself too seriously. The fixed scene looks far more relaxed and colourful and the paint jobs on some of those bikes are gorgeous. More of this stuff please GCN 👍

[@The_R_Vid]

I can't give enough thumbs up for how much I loved this! Kudos to James.

[@charlesreza]

Massive respect James, definitely come back for more next year

[@SeargentFirestone]

I love RHC and I love GCN. It's so cool to see you venture out of your comfort zones and get involved in some of the more "underground" racing scenes.

[@stephenmoon2767]

Excellent video guys, loved it!! Hank has now staked his place in the GCN pantheon!!! Keep 'em coming!!

[@philj7823]

Superb effort Hank. Looked sooo nervous before the final! Great video. Respect.

[@ThePowermax01]

Hands down one of your best videos. And the videos have been absolutely sick for the past couple of weeks ! Cheers guys

[@brendavane9148]

One of GCNs best videos. Good to see GCN exploring different styles of cycling. Looking forward to the GCN team for the 25 hour race.

[@molokocycling]

Huge respect to you Hank, obviously born to race - looking forward to your next crit vid already!

[@flskier]

Stellar video! I’ve been watching GCN all summer and I have to say, this video might be the best one yet. Blew me away. Well done!

[@shanepearson5950]

this is 100% the best video I've seen on GCN. Besides seeing a matt Stevens blooper videos. please more fixed gear challenges and fixed gear pro bikes

[@Sergio_Math]

This is GCN’s best video so far. I’m ecstatic to see you guys covering one of the best races in the world. Please, GCN, more crits, more fixed gear, more Cinelli... thanks guys! Great vid

[@DavidEeee66]

That was absolutely FANTASTIC to watch!! Talk about being on the edge of your seat hoping Hank wasn’t going to slide out on a corner!! Just wild!! Love this channel!

[@yourregret]

Que bonito ver le den luz a algo tan chingon como es el RHC, llevo siguiendo la series (RHC) desde el 2013 y jamás me deja de imprecisionar, infinitas gracias por esto GCN

[@dylanmaclean7485]

i had to watch this again, clearly one of my favourite GCN uploads.

[@andyklyon]

Anxiety levels through the roof watching this. Felt like I lived that whole day with Hank! Fantastic editing and great soundtrack.

[@muranziel]

I really like these new challenge type videos.

[@Win0bot]

i love that ive been seeing more track bike respect on this channel again. always been a fan who translated the road vids to how i ride. keep it up guys.

[@owenpreece4508]

Brilliant video guys 👍

[@janwarrington]

Great program lads and well done who ever thought of entering and making a show of it - respect to James !

[@jameslowsley-williams6823]

jan warrington 🤙

[@stevecochrane5376]

Chapeau Hank. Mate that was AWESOME to watch !! Talk about having Bottle! Excellent! So exciting . Can't wait for the next one.

[@andrewcox4304]

Awesome job. Really like the way it showed some of the energy/vibe of the event. The essence of bike racing.

[@94CSPmiata]

Brilliant. Every special you guys make gets better and better.

[@hishamghosheh9613]

Wow. Amazing video. I just love it when GCN goes racing

[@phillwhitlam6999]

Fantastic Video, you must cover more of these events. Great to see the excitement and enjoyment on their faces. really got the atmosphere and speed of the event with the camera shots. Not so sure about Red Hook more like Red Bull gives you wings!!! Chapeau guys

[@edmarkey4057]

Way to go, James. That looked absolutely brutal. Well done!

[@steveh2199]

For some reason, don't do fixed gear, but I was really looking forward to this video. Didn't disappoint, great to see different bike racing!

[@mcorbett01]

Fantastic video. Kudos to James for giving it a go ... it looks terrifying!

[@wohoi]

I can feel the thrill in this video! damn hahahaha other fixed gear vids please

[@ajlong404]

I did too! I was actually nervous for Hank!

[@brosettastone7520]

this fixed/track bike videos are straight dopamine releasers. love them

[@michaeljbrennan3728]

Awesome effort. Finishing a Red Hook event is a phenomenal accomplishment.

[@NuclearStr1der]

First Chas, then Team Dream then Red Hook! GCN is on FIRE with what's red hot in the cycling world right now.

[@samgooding-matthews3175]

Fixed gear bikes on this channel makes me so happy james is my new hero took that crash like a boss 🤙🏻

[@nickmarshall2585]

Loved it. Brought back memories from days on the velodrome as a kid. Nice one Hank!

[@speedy7974]

One of the best you guys have made. Hanks honesty is just how I remember racing, spot on GCN.

[@bwjbrown]

Wow, seriously great content and production, inspires me to check out crit racing! GCN cameras put you in the midst of the action without losing that critical human element. Kudos!

[@KingofStreet3]

No brakes, high watts and looks like every race has a wet street. This looks fun to watch

[@julen2380]

Even in front of the laptop - that was bloody amazing! Loved the action, loved the narration - Hank for the win next year!

[@dylanmaclean7485]

bloody superb video, had us all on the edge, many congrats on a great race meet, really should be the Olly and Hank Red Hook team!

[@maxgrass8134]

Best idea to bring gcn to the red hook. Awesome Performance James! Can't wait to see you next year!

[@joyport4475]

Super nice film. Incredible effort James/Hank!

[@tdougs77]

One of the best videos you chaps have done! - Great effort James!

[@wooable]

Thanks for covering the The Red Hook Crit! Was a super interesting piece