Criterium racers in full focus. Photo courtesy of PAL.
It’s been called the fastest night of the year, the best party of the year, and the City’s biggest festival.
And when 250+ cyclists wheel into action May 1 for Spartanburg’s 21st annual rain-or-shine Criterium bike race, it will not only give spectators an up-close chance to see world-class athletes from many countries compete for a top prize, but to be part of a area that is fast becoming the state’s premier place to work and live.
“The Criterium is a great chance to be downtown and celebrate our community,” said Laura Ringo, executive director of local hosting organization Play-Advocate-Live Well. “Since PAL took over the event in 2007, it has continued to grow over time with more fans who come together to watch really impressive, elite athletes. It’s so much fun.”
The race course is one-half mile on a closed track, starting and finishing at the intersection of Broad and Liberty streets. Cyclists must complete 80 laps – a distance of 40 miles in all – in an effort to win medals and different cash prizes for top finishers.
Racers will represent 14 countries, such as Canada, Argentina, Barbados, Germany, and Australia, as well as the U.S.
And the race schedule will include a total of seven events, including both men’s and women's Pro, Halftime Kids Ride, and Masters.
“This year, we have more than 100 sponsors and tailgaiting tents,” Ringo said. “The races usually start around 3:15 p.m. and people stay at least until after 10 p.m.”
Which is more than a little indicative of how much the event has grown in the last two decades.
Ringo pointed out that whereas PAL’s first Criterium event had only two tents of spectators, the 2025 event drew “more than 7,000 – and I’m hoping for something comparable this time.”
“It coincided with the City’s spring festival event,” she added, “and we were so excited to become part of this experience.”
She further explained that the ‘Crit’ was part of a City initiative called ‘Bike Town Spartanburg’ – which in turn is part of a series of events called Speed Week, consisting of eight races through April and May across hosting states Alabama, Georgia, and the Carolinas.
“The racers who participate in our race therefore have a chance to take part in a number of these races in the region while they’re here,” Ringo said.
And the race also gives locals a chance to become acquainted with PAL and adopt into its key purpose of bringing health and wellness to the heart of the Spartanburg community, while glamorizing bicycling and activity.
The ‘Crit’ has earned the City of Spartanburg’s bicycle-friendly status from the League of American Bicyclists, the first of this type of designation in South Carolina.
So far, it is PAL’s top fundraising event.
And if you’ve never been, you will likely find no better way to kick off the month of May than to rent a tent and bring your tailgating and cowbells to the biggest spring fling this side of Panama City.
“It’s more than just a bike race,” Ringo said, “It’s the best party of the year!”
