EASTON, Pa. — On your mark, get set, go!
The Easton Twilight Criterium is coming back for its fourth consecutive year at the end of May, with organizers promising “an exhilarating day of top-tier bicycle racing and engaging activities for all ages in Downtown Easton.”
Hosted by the city and the Greater Easton Development Partnership and presented by the Lehigh Valley Health Network, the event showcases some of the world’s most skilled cyclists as they navigate the streets of the Downtown District at a blistering 40 miles per hour.
The race marks the commencement of the Tour of Somerville weekend, wrapping up in Somerville, New Jersey, on May 27 with North America’s longest running race.
Featuring a challenging 0.8-mile circuit, the race also presents cyclists with six turns winding through the city’s Downtown.
About 500 cyclists across 12 fields will meet at the start and finish line at the 200 block of Northampton Street, just east of Centre Square.
Both amateurs and professionals from across the globe – including racers from Canada, Europe, and the Caribbean – will vie for victory, coveted winners’ jerseys, and over $10,000 in prizes.
... And they're off!
Organizers are expecting fans to flock to the racecourse on Saturday, May 25, to see top competitors showcase their talents while those aforementioned fans can enjoy delectable fare from downtown eateries, who will also offer cocktails and “crit spritzes” from race sponsor Aperol.
The event schedule for the day will see the Pennsylvania State Championship Amateur race at 1:50 p.m., the Professional Women race at 7:20 p.m., and the Professional Men race at 8:40 p.m.
“In its fourth year here, we hope to welcome more athletes and more attendees looking for a unique and fun day in Easton; this isn’t just about bike racing – it’s about gathering with friends and family in the festive atmosphere of our downtown, all the while supporting our small businesses, and celebrating sport,” GEDP Executive Direct Jared Mast said.
Besides the city and LVHN, the race is sponsored by Hindle Power, Unity Bank, Brown-Daub Hyundai, Bihler Medical, Lafayette College, Discover Lehigh Valley, BSI Corporate Benefits, The Grand Eastonian Hotel and Suites, Rizz Containers & Disposal, Aperol, UNDRBUDR, Vie13 and Crayola.
Fun for everyone
But the festivities aren’t relegated to the course alone: spectators can enjoy a full day of activities, including a visit to the Easton Farmers’ Market at Scott Park from 9 a.m. to noon.
On race day morning, riders can also join in on the inaugural Ride to the Race, presented by Crayola. Riders choose their own route to finish by 11 a.m. at the Easton Public Market, where they can check their bikes with a valet before enjoying a party featuring wood-fired pizza and cold drinks from Scratch and Shawnee Craft.
Those who join in the Ride to Race will also get a Crayola cycling cap, an entry to win raffle items from race partners, and access to a tented viewing area to watch races later in the day.
If you’re not a competitive athlete, there are still plenty of options, including a Community Ride which kicks off the day’s events. Families and individuals can pedal throughout the closed streets for a first-hand course experience prior to the start of the race.
The Community Ride is free, but all participants are required to wear a helmet.
This year, the Easton Twilight Criterium has a plethora of pastimes for all active lifestyles.
The Kid’s Zone, which will be hosted by the Valley Preferred Cycling Center and held in Centre Square, offers a welcome area for the younger bicyclists to have some fun. Children can bring their own bikes, though they will also be provided. Helmets are required.
Homebase Skateshop and their Push Ahead program will offer free “Learn to Skateboard” workshops for children in the parking lot next to Mesa each hour from 2 to 5 p.m. Organizers encourage anyone interested in the lessons to stop at the shop and sign up, as a limited number of spots are available.
Speaking of Homebase, they’re also putting up a challenge: whoever can do the longest ollie can earn at least $100. Those who want to test their abilities can swing by Turn 4 at Sette Luna Corner at 6:45 p.m. to participate, just prior to the start of the Women’s Pro race.
Those looking to test their wheelie ability can enter free competitions beginning at 6:45 p.m., including tests for 12 o’clock, swerve, and circle capabilities, with prizes up for grabs.
If you’re interested in foot racing, the one-mile run, starting at 6:15 p.m., pits runners against one another in a trek around the racecourse track with tests of speed across several age-based categories. The fastest men and women will share $1,000 in prizes.
