After an incredibly successful inaugural Criterium in 2022, the City of Newport News and THR Cycling Club have collaborated again in an event that will encompass an entire weekend of bicycle competitions and activities. Called the Tour of Newport News, the weekend races will take place April 14-16 in what is called an omnium, a cycling event consisting of races of different distances and types taking place over several days.
Our 3-day, 4-race event will feature:
- *Street Sprints on 23rd Street (Friday night)
- *Crawford Road Time Trial (Saturday morning, in nearby Yorktown)
- *Newport News Twilight Criterium (Saturday afternoon and evening)
- *Fort Eustis Circuit Race (Sunday)
The tour begins April 14 with Street Sprints on 23rd Street in the Yard District. This is an elimination style, standing start sprint on a straight, slightly uphill 200-meter course. Points will be awarded to the top 15 finishers in each category. Expect a party atmosphere with former professional cyclist Frankie Andreu announcing. During his career, Andreu finished fourth in the cycling road race at the 1996 Olympics. Afterward, enjoy drink specials from Coastal Fermentory.
The competition continues April 15 in neighboring Yorktown with the Crawford Road Time Trial. This out-and-back five-mile course includes rolling terrain. As with the Street Sprints on 23rd Street, points will be awarded to the top 15 finishers in each category.
Later in the day, the Newport News Twilight Criterium returns to the Yard District in downtown Newport News. This elite amateur bicycle race, sanctioned by USA Cycling, is 1-kilometer long with eight 90-degree turns. It is billed as “fast and smooth, with very little braking required.” It begins and ends at City Hall, 2400 Washington Ave and covers just two square blocks between Huntington and West avenues and 25th through 27th streets. The short uphill and fast downhill course, along with twilight, dusk, and dark conditions, are sure to challenge the 300+ beginner-to-elite cyclists expected.
The Newport News Twilight Criterium offers eight races for men and women of varying ages and expertise, including a free Kid’s Fun Race for children 3 to 9 years old. The men’s race finishes at night under city lights. Because crits are so exciting to watch, the public is encouraged to come to the Yard District to cheer on the cyclists! There is no other competition where the spectators are as close to the action – the good, the bad, and the ugly (i.e. crashes!)
The Tour concludes April 16 with the Fort Eustis Circuit Race. This course is a flat, fast 5-kilometer loop with five 90-degree turns on an active-duty military base.
Newport News Tourism has set up five official host hotels for the Tour of Newport News. Discounted rates range from $84 to $189 (plus tax) nightly. The five different price points should help in securing accommodations within your budget. When calling to make the reservation, mention that you are attending the Tour of Newport News. All hotels are within 15 to 20 minutes’ driving distance to the various event venues in the Tour of Newport News. The most centrally located host hotels are the Newport News Marriott at City Center and the Holiday Inn Newport News-Hampton. Click here for the list of host hotels.
With more than $14,000 in cash and prizes being offered, organizers promise competitors the Tour of Newport News will be worth the trip! Can’t make it for the whole weekend of racing? Sign up for an individual event or two! This elite amateur bicycle race is presented by THR Cycling and the City of Newport News. Click here for complete race information and to register. To see a video of one of the races in the inaugural Newport News Criterium, click here. For questions, e-mail teamhamptonroads@gmail.com or call 757-660-2117.