USA CRITS Returns to Utah on July 17-18, 2021

SALT LAKE CRITERIUM ROARS THROUGH THE GATEWAY JULY 17
RACE TEARS THROUGH DOWNTOWN HOLLADAY JULY 18

SALT LAKE CITY (July 7, 2021) — After a one-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Salt Lake Criterium will once again again roar through the heart of Salt Lake City at The Gateway on Saturday, July 17. This year, organizers added a second day of intense rivalry racing on Sunday, July 18 in downtown Holladay. The two-day event is part of USA CRITS, the premier cycling series in the United States, showcasing the best riders in a uniquely American style of racing. Both days will be streamed live on USACRITS.tv.

While the Larry H. Miller Tour of Utah is on hiatus for another year these circuit races will provide big excitement for the bicycle racers and spectators alike with world-class and local favorite competitors lapping fast-paced, short 1 kilometer (.62 mile) multi-circuit courses. This is the second time USA CRITS Series is bringing the race to Salt Lake.

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The criterium, with its fast, short laps, world class sprinters and professional teamwork, is one of the most exciting cycling disciplines to watch and is ideal for spectators who will be able to watch each race develop from start to finish. The rivalry among teams is expected to ratchet up the tension. Legion of Los Angeles, led by Justin Williams, dominated the first race of the series in Tulsa, OK in mid-June. Now Best Buddies Racing and Butcher Box Racing are ready to take points back in Salt Lake City.

“The very nature of criterium racing on short, closed circuits is what makes it possible for us to put on these events this year,” says Race Director Eric Gardiner. “A major stage race, like the Tour of Utah, requires hundreds of staff and volunteers, along with the cooperation of the Utah Highway Patrol and permits for every town along the route. Criteriums require a much smaller footprint and are able to more easily put together a plan make the event safer for everyone from riders to staff to spectators.”

America has a rich history of criterium racing, a unique form of cycling that stresses high-speed races contested amidst a thriving urban atmosphere. Criteriums are the most spectator-friendly and enduring form of bicycle racing in America. Locally originated events combine the highest levels of cycling with community gatherings and street festivals, while showcasing some of America’s most vibrant downtown districts.

“We are so excited to welcome these elite riders to Salt Lake,” said Clay Partain, managing director of Sports Salt Lake. “It’s exhilarating to host this caliber of race and these two venues represent the best places in the valley to see and feel the excitement of a crit race.”

The Organizing Committee will be planning to safely support the number of fans expected to watch in person. The Salt Lake Criterium inaugural event in 2019 was highly successful with 319 amateur riders, 21 USA CRITS D1 professional teams, and over 5,000 fans that came down to The Gateway throughout the day.

Race Schedule