Kirk Corsello talks about cycling much like he navigates a criterium race course — quickly and with precision.
Words such as “objective,” “strategy” and “tactics” decorate Corsello’s rhetoric as he describes just how a tight herd of cyclists powers its way through a short, NASCAR-esque course on city streets. When race director James Lowe needed an emcee for the inaugural Georgia Cup Duluth Twilight Criterium, he looked no further than the 47-year-old Category 1 Master cyclist.
The Lilburn resident will provide race commentary for fans who attend Saturday’s Duluth Twilight except for during the Masters Cat 1/2/3 45-plus heat, in which he will participate.
Such categorization, as defined by USA Cycling, epitomizes Corsello’s qualifications to both narrate the events and compete in a more demanding heat.
Before his assimilation into the cycling community, Corsello was an avid triathlete. He competed in three Hawaiian Iron Mans in 1989, 1992 and 1993, finishing 196th in the world (9:52:46) in his second attempt.
“That was B.K., as I call it.” Corsello joked. “Before kids.”
After the birth of his two children — 14-year-old Christian and 11-year-old Angelica, known as “Jelli” — Corsello decided it was in the best interest of his family that he specialize in one sport.
Now a single father of two, Corsello juggles fatherhood and cycling along with owning and operating his own small business: Corsello & Sons Pest Control. He’s the CEO; he’s the trashman. Many cyclists find the flexibility that comes with being one’s own boss appealing, according to Duluth Twilight competitor Brad Parkerson.
“As an endurance athlete … the only way you can be good and competitive is to spend time either running or on the bike an hour and a half, three hours a time,” said Parkerson, Corsello’s friend and former Nouveau Velo Cycling teammate who now races for Ridley Reality Bikes.
“When you work for somebody, it’s very, very hard to sustain a steady income, keep the boss happy. A lot of cyclists that are very good or kind of high up the food chain, a lot of cyclists own their own businesses for that reason.”
Parkerson, a small-business owner himself, has contributed to Corsello’s independence. After Corsello left Nouveau Velo this year, Parkerson extended a sponsorship offer to the unattached rider in the form of a suit. Corsello now flies the flag of THL Automotive, Parkerson’s business.
“Cycling, No. 1, gives me freedom,” Corsello said. “The other thing is that with this style of racing (criterium), and the way these promoters like James Lowe put together (the races), you can actually win a little bit of money doing it.”
Although he ranks but a notch below the pros on the cycling totem pole, winning is not nearly lucrative enough at the amateur levels to provide a family-sustaining income.
“I wish it was that good; I really do,” Corsello said.
After spending around $165 in registration fees for a recent race, he hardly made back half that.
“I mean, you’re lucky if it pays for itself,” He said.
On Saturday from 1-11 p.m., Corsello, Parkerson and hundreds of cyclists will pedal for a portion of a $15,000 purse prize.
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