Easton Twilight Criterium Races Back to Downtown Easton
Feel the speed and be part of the excitement as the Easton Twilight Criterium races back to Downtown Easton for its second year.
The Easton Twilight Criterium, presented by Lehigh Valley Health Network, features some of the world’s top cyclists reaching speeds in excess of 45 miles per hour. Watch some of the fastest riders in the world as they race through the city on May 28 during this free festival. Professional teams from as far away as New Zealand will be competing, as well as cyclists from Canada, Europe and several Caribbean nations.
The bike race is a partnership between the City of Easton and the nonprofit Greater Easton Development Partnership (GEDP) and informally kicks off the prestigious Tour of Somerville race series. The Tour of Somerville continues May 29 in Plainfield, N.J. and May 30 in Somerville, N.J. Learn more about the Easton Twilight Criterium at eastontwilightcrit.com.
“These bicycle races bring cyclists from around the world and offer hours of entertainment,” says Mayor Sal Panto Jr. “They are enjoyed by the entire family and add to the vibrancy of our city.”
Watch the racers
The Easton event covers a challenging 0.8-mile course featuring five turns as racers wind their way through the streets of Downtown Easton. An estimated 300 racers will hit the Start/Finish line near Scott Park on Larry Holmes Drive and race continuously for either 30 minutes or 20 miles (depending on age and classification) throughout the evening.
Amateur races begin at 3:15 p.m. and pros take to the course at 6:40 p.m. The final race will depart from the starting line at 7:30 p.m. Want to learn the lingo and strategy of a criterium? Visit eastontwilightcrit.com/festival-info/racing-101.
The race is held rain or shine.
Test out the course
Families and individuals that want to shift gears and test out the course before the races can participate in a Community Ride, provided free of charge thanks to the City of Easton Recreation Department. Streets will be closed to automobiles, allowing participants to ride several laps on the race course before the races kick off. The Community Ride begins at 2 p.m. and registration is required. Register in advance at eastontwilightcrit.com/festival-info/community-ride or register day of at 1 p.m. at Scott Park.
Helmets are required for the ride. The Coalition for Appropriate Transportation (CAT) will give away free helmets prior to the race for anyone who needs one. Trek Bicycle Easton will offer complimentary bike checks for Community Ride participants and raffles for gift certificates at Trek Bicycle.
Stay for the fireworks
The Easton Twilight Criterium offers a full day of fun for spectators. Start your day at the Easton Farmers’ Market (9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Scott Park). CAT will be on site offering bike checks from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the market. CAT will also have tools and air pumps available for anyone who needs them before the Community Ride.
Spectators will find great views of all the races as they dine outdoors at Easton’s restaurants that line the race route. Make reservations early to snag one of the prime outdoor tables. Find a list of dining options at eastontwilightcrit.com/festival-info. Two Rivers Brewing Co. will also have a beer garden area set up in Scott Park with sandwiches and beverages to enjoy during the race.
Stick around after the sun goes down. After the last race finishes, the City of Easton will launch fireworks over the Delaware River. Fireworks are estimated to start around 8:45 p.m.
“This bike race is a chance for us to show off Downtown Easton to a new audience with a fun and free spectator event,” says Jared Mast, executive director-GEDP. “We hope that visitors who come for the race see all the retailers, restaurants and amenities Easton has to offer and return again and again to enjoy our city.”
Sponsors for the 2022 Easton Twilight Criterium include Lehigh Valley Health Network, Discover Lehigh Valley, Hindle Power, Sette Luna, Trek Bicycle Easton and Unity Bank.