Family Affair

Twelve-year-old Alyssa Farrens rounds the southwest corner of the Nevada Square Friday night in the Downtown Criterium race of the Tour of Nevada. Ralph Pokorny/Daily Mail

Bike racing is a family affair for the Farrens of Gardner, Kan.

Saturday afternoon 12-year old Alyssa completed her third real race during the first Tour of Nevada on the Dowtown Criterium course, finishing third in the 12-14 year-old mixed juniors, behind two male riders in the 15-18 year-old age group, while her mother, father and two sisters cheered her on.

"I've been racing for about a year," Alyssa said after finishing the race.

Kathy Ferrans yells encouragement to her daughter, Alyssa, as the girl passes by. Ralph Pokorny/Daily Mail

The junior race was a timed 20 minute race around the 1.2 mile course that all competitors rode Saturday for different time periods, ranging from 20 minutes for juniors, to 70 minutes for the top racers.

Shortly after Alyssa completed her race, her father Raymond took to the course in the men's category 4 and 5 race, finishing in 15th place overall and fifth in category 5.

"I've been riding for three years and racing for two," Raymond said after finishing his race.

Eight-year-old Sarah Farrens rings a bell as big sister, Alyssa, rides by.Ralph Pokorny/Daily Mail

Bike racing is not the only activity the Farrens share. After completing both races the family headed back to Gardner, Kan., where Raymond had to coach Alyssa's soccer team in a match later Saturday night.

Raymond Farrens rounds the southwest corner of the Square during his race Saturday evening. Ralph Pokorny/Daily Mail

Raymond and Alyssa Farrens pose after Raymond finishes his race. Ralph Pokorny/Daily Mail