Sponsorship
On September 18, 2005 bicycle racing made a successful comeback to the streets of downtown Portsmouth, New Hampshire! The Portsmouth Criterium transformed downtown Market Square, for one day, into the Champs-Elysées—Portsmouth's own Tour De France! Hundreds of top level athletes traveled to our historic town to race among the best in the New England region and the country! What was usually a quiet Sunday became an exciting day of activity along the downtown streets where over 2500 spectators lined the sidewalks to watch more than 200 racers, including 50 children, that day. The Portsmouth Criterium returned in 2006 and 2007, as did the fans and children—7000 people came out including 150 children and their families to participate in the kid’s races. We also added a lifestyle expo which brought in vendors from around the state to promote sports and recreational activities and a healthy lifestyle! 2008 promises to bring more spectators and riders along with new and returning expo vendors rounding out a very fun day for all.
Criteriums are a popular form of bicycle racing that are typically set up in downtown locations to showcase not only the speed, agility and power of the pro cyclist but are also designed to provide corporate sponsors with numerous exposure opportunities. The criterium course is closed to traffic, typically less than a mile in distance and punctuated by sharp corners and speeds of over 30 miles an hour. This is the most exciting of all cycling events.
The mission of our event is to provide free entertainment and to promote a healthy lifestyle for Portsmouth residents and its visitors. Bicycling happens to be one popular way for an entire family to enjoy themselves while at the same time, keeping healthy and getting into shape. The Portsmouth Criterium is not only an afternoon of bicycle racing but also showcases cycling organizations and various vendors in the Lifestyle Exposition all to promote a healthy way of life. For the second year, we plan to invite various businesses and organizations involved with sports and related activities to the Lifestyle Exposition which will be held on Market and Pleasants Streets. And following the professional men’s open race there will be an awards ceremony to the top 3 winners of the Seacoast Race Point Series (SRPS): top 3 overall in the amateur men’s open, professional women’s open and professional men’s open awarded at Portsmouth Criterium—the SRPS includes the Exeter Criterium, Mt. Agamenticus Time Trial and York Beach Criterium.
We hope that you will join us this year and help our event grow! The Portsmouth Criterium has become more than a bicycle race, we have created an annual event to attract local residents and visitors year after year!
Featuring:
Children’s Bicycle Races– Prizes
Lifestyle Expo Vendors
Men's Category 4 Race - Prize List $800
Men's Category 3 Race - Prize List $1000
Community Challenge - Trophy and Bragging Rights
Professional Women’s – Prize List TBD
Professional Men’s – Prize List $2500