Criterium Races through Roswell April 28

The 12th Annual Historic Roswell Criterium returns on Sunday, April 28 with an expanded race course in the heart of historic Roswell, according to information provided by organizers. 

The schedule of events includes:

• a recreational bicycle ride,
• kids bicycle rodeo,
• 11 bicycle races,
• Moncrief Heating & Air Kids' Zone,
• Vendor Village and Expo,
• and two New Belgium Beer Gardens.

The Historic Roswell Criterium, which began in 2002, has established itself as the largest pro/am criterium in the Southeast and second largest single-day race in the United States. It has surpassed 750 total race registrations for the day, according to a recent press release.

For the first time in 12 years, the Historic Roswell Criterium will introduce a new race course. The criterium loop will be extended to 1.2 miles in length, now including Heart of Roswell Park as the southern-most turn of the race route.  The long straightaway on Canton Street passes many of the popular restaurants and shops in Historic Roswell where spectators will enjoy a prime viewing experience.

"All the merchants and restaurants in the area are excited to be part of a longer course for the races. The Historic Roswell Criterium is a showcase for cycling and a showcase for Roswell. It has become an open house for merchants and restaurants to shine in front of thousands of people. Roswell is becoming an event destination," said Sally Johnson, president of the Historic Roswell Merchant’s Association and organizer of Alive After 5 Roswell, which starts back up for the summer beginning this week, Thursday, April 18.

The challenging four corners of the course will require each of the 75-150 cyclists in each race to use high speeds and precise skills to navigate the turns. The start/finish line will remain on Canton Street in front of the Fickle Pickle Restaurant.

Race Day Schedule and Activities:

Race day, April 28, will kick off with the Roswell Mayor’s Ride, a recreational ride to showcase the city of Roswell. The event, organized by Bike Roswell, is suitable for all ages and abilities and is the perfect way to begin the day of bicycling fun in Roswell. There are three ride options:

• a family six mile ride
• 20-mile ride
• and a 42-mile ride

All of the rides begin at 8 a.m. from Roswell Area Park. Advanced registration is open at BikeReg.com, $30 per individual, $75 per three-person family, $80 for a four-person family and $10 per each family member beyond four. The six-mile family ride is free.

Beginning at 10 a.m. are the 11 races, with categories for Juniors (ages 10-14 and 15-18), Masters (ages 35 and over) and different levels of amateur men and women racers. The men’s and women’s professional races (Men’s Pro 1/2 and Women’s Pro 1/2/3) at the end of the day will feature some of the best cyclists in North America.

The Historic Roswell Criterium continues for a fourth season as part of the USA CRITS Speed Week Series. This racing series has a combine prize purse of more than $120,000 for eight days of racing in Georgia and South Carolina. Advance registration fees for all adult races range from $45 to $50.

Two junior races return this year for up-and-coming pros of tomorrow. Registration is $30 for boys and girls ages 10-14 and 15-18. For younger children on bicycles and tricycles, it will be the 12th year for the annual Kids Races and Rodeo. The Kiwanis Club of Historic Roswell Safety Rodeo begins at 3 p.m. (registration begins at 2 p.m.) next to the Roswell United Methodist Church and is free for children six to 12 years of age with a signed waiver. All Rodeo graduates are then invited to participate in Kids Races at 5 p.m. 

An expanded Vendor Village and Expo will be open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. along Canton and Webb streets at the south end of the bicycle race course. Some of the professional teams will park official support vehicles in this area so that fans can easily take photos and receive athlete autographs. The Moncrief Heating & Air Kids' Zone will be part of the Expo and will be open until 5 p.m. One New Belgium Beer Garden will be located on Elizabeth Way this year, with a second location at the north end of Canton Street next to Woodstock Street. Throughout the day, spectators should look for restaurant and shop specials in Historic Roswell.   

"The Historic Roswell Criterium has become so much more than just a day of bicycle races in our community. It is a tradition that focuses on fitness, family, food and fun," said Roswell Mayor Jere Wood. "It’s a great springtime showcase for our city. This event is special because people of all ages can enjoy a variety of activities throughout the day and explore Historic Roswell."

Sponsors for the 12th Annual Historic Roswell Criterium include Moncrief Heating and Air, city of Roswell, New Belgium Brewing Co., Maxxis, NALLEY Automotive Group, Children’s Orthopaedics of Atlanta, Kiwanis Club of Historic Roswell, North Georgia Cycling Association, and USA CRITS Speed Week Series.

For details on registration for races, kids rodeo and all event information, visit the criterium website. For advance registration for the Roswell Mayor’s Ride, click here.