A core group of cycling stakeholders in the USA, including criterium race directors, cycling teams, and USA Cycling, has announced the formation of a new professional criterium series.
The new series boasts a US$100,000 prize purse with an equal pay-out for women and men. The full calendar for the series will be announced later in January.
According to USA Cycling… ‘This new domestic series will promote the uniquely American road discipline of criterium racing and allow for the storytelling of athletes and events.’
“Cycling teams and athletes have historically had to just accept what events put forward with limited to no say,” said Lauren Dodge, the interim President of the National Association of Cycling Teams. “We are excited that USA Cycling and event directors are making the effort to work with the NACT taking into consideration the unified voice of teams and riders. Putting teams and athletes first is a step in the right direction for the entire sport.”
Malcolm McCollam, Executive Director of the Saint Francis Tulsa Tough, said “Criteriums are the dominant form of competitive road cycling in the US, and have proven to be popular with the public and sponsors.
“This new collaborative effort between the event organizers, USA Cycling, and the athletes offers an opportunity to elevate the stature of criterium racing and bring additional value to our stakeholders.”
With US$100,000 in overall prize money, equally split between men and women, in addition to individual event prize purses, founding races include:
- Saint Francis Tulsa Tough,
- ASWD Twilight Criterium,
- Salt Lake Criterium,
- Littleton Criterium,
- Momentum Indy, and
- Bommarito Audi Gateway Cup.
‘These races will all come together with USA Cycling to produce a series that ensures quality racing for teams, riders, and spectators. All events are committed to awarding equal prize money for the pro men’s and women’s fields in their prospective races.’
“Championing the top criterium events in the US is a priority for USA Cycling,” said Chuck Hodge, Chief of Racing and Events.
“Being able to put a spotlight on the races and riders as part of a professional criterium series directly serves our mission of promoting the sport of cycling.”
A group representing the stakeholders is currently assessing applications from other top events, including Pro Road Tour and L39ION owned events, to complete the series. The final events in the series, along with further details, will be announced later this month.
