Photo: Todd Gill, Fayetteville Flyer
Volunteers are needed for the upcoming Natural State Criterium Series.
The three-day event includes professional and amateur bike races in Bentonville, Rogers and Springdale beginning Friday, July 6 and lasting through Sunday, July 8.
The event, organized by BikeNWA, will feature pro cycling teams and amateur cyclists who’ll compete for a portion of this year’s $50,000 prize purse.
The races will showcase riders competing at high speeds and in close quarters on tight, technical courses through the downtown areas of each city.
The weekend begins Friday evening at 5:30 p.m. in downtown Bentonville on a figure-8 course along Main Street, NE A Street and NW A Street. Racing is expected to last until about 10:30 p.m.
Saturday’s races are from 10 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. in downtown Rogers on a rectangular course along West Walnut Street, 1st Street, Poplar Street and 7th Street.
The downtown Springdale race on Sunday lasts from 8:50 a.m. to about 4:30 p.m. on a figure-8 course that will send riders speeding along Emma and Johnson avenues by the Walter Turnbow Park at Shiloh Square.
Also planned this year is a fat tire crit for mountain bikers, kids races, beer gardens and family-friendly activities.
As part of the USA CRITS Series, the races will be streamed live at USACRITS.tv.
Volunteer Information
Organizers said volunteers are needed to help facilitate the races, particularly in Springdale and Rogers. Volunteer options range from hauling hay bales to registering racers and marshaling the courses. Anyone interested in volunteering should visit the event’s Signup.com page for more information.
Racing Registration
Racers looking to compete at one or more of the events should visit the race website. Pre-registration is $40-$50 per race, with fees expected to increase the day of the event.
