Photo: Todd Gill, Fayetteville Flyer

Bike racing will return to Springdale this summer.

The Natural State Criterium Series includes four weeknight events planned in July and August with spectator-friendly bike races on a closed course in downtown Springdale.

The criterium (or crit) races feature riders racing multiple loops around the course. The start-finish line is located on Emma Avenue near Shiloh Square (see map below). The course winds through several downtown streets and each lap should take 2-3 minutes to complete.

The series kicks off at 5 p.m. Wednesday, July 14 and includes four categorized races each night (see schedule below).

Each night begins with the 20-minute “First Chance Category” race designed for anyone who is new to bike racing or crit races. The First Chance race includes experienced coaches from Natural State Rock & Republic who will ride the course with the racers giving tips and pointers along the way.

Photo: Todd Gill, Fayetteville Flyer

The 30-minute “C Race” and 40-minute “B Race” are next on each night’s schedule and are categorized based on a rider’s USA Cycling skill category.

Each night ends with the “A Race,” a 50-minute race that is expected to draw the area’s most talented riders.

Men and women will ride together in each race, but will be scored separately with prizes or cash available to the top 3 riders in the A, B and C races.

There is no charge to watch the races, but anyone interested in racing should visit BikeReg.com.

The 2021 Natural State Criterium Series

Night 1 – Wednesday, July 14 from 5-8 p.m.
Night 2 – Wednesday, July 28 from 5-8 p.m.
Night 3 – Wednesday, Aug. 11 from 5-8 p.m.
Night 4 – Wednesday, Aug. 18 from 5-8 p.m.

Race course