Portsmouth Criterium Kids Race brought to you by Portsmouth Regional Hospital

Kids’ Race to Christen Course for the Pros at Portsmouth Criterium

If your kids enjoy riding their bikes, Sunday, September 20th will provide a fun and exciting opportunity for them to try their hand at bicycle racing in Market Square! That afternoon the Portsmouth Criterium will bring some of the top men and women riders in the country to race in downtown Portsmouth. But before the pros get on their bikes, the afternoon of racing will kick off with a chance for kids to sprint up Congress Street.

There will be four category races for kids, divided by age group, beginning at 12:30 pm. The afternoon will start with a training wheels race for kids ages 4-6 racing approximately 600 meters, beginning at the corner of Congress Street and Maplewood Avenue and finishing in front of Popovers. Kids ages 4-6 on regular bicycles will follow, racing the same course. Kids 7-9 will race approx one lap of full 0.6 mile racecourse. Riders aged 10-12 will each race approx two laps of the course. Medals will be presented to the top finishers in each category. Based on numbers registered, there may be multiple heats in each age group, in which case medals will be awarded in each heat.

Kids Race Flyer

To encourage advance registration and shorten lines on race day, this year online registration will be free, while on-site registration on race day will cost $5.00 per child. To register online for free until Friday, September 18th at midnight or until the fields fill up—click here.

Online registration is highly recommended to reduce waiting time on race-day. On-site registration will be available at the Bank of America parking lot between 10:00am-11:30am. Once again, race day registration will cost $5.00 per child. We ask Parents to PLEASE arrive early to minimize delays in finalizing registration and getting through safety checks.

A properly fitting helmet is required to race, and all racers will receive a helmet fit check. Bicycles will also be checked for safety prior to racing.

“We were amazed by the kids who came out last year!” said kids race coordinator Scott Bogle of Seacoast Area Bicycle Routes. “The first year we had about 45 riders. The past two years that has more than tripled  with almost 150 kids and their families coming out to join in the fun. Last year we added categories for riders with training wheels, and for older kids who race two full laps of the course. It’s really fun to see all of the kids out there having a great time, from four year olds on tricycles to older kids who are pretty darn fast already. We’re getting ready for an even bigger turnout this year!”

Families that stick around after the kids' race will get to enjoy an afternoon of world class cycling. The criterium style of racing, which features multiple laps on a short circuit, is the most spectator friendly type of bike race, as riders sprint for prizes on each lap and viewers can watch the race develop and the lead change over multiple circuits. There will also be a Lifestyle Expo featuring cycling demonstrations, health & fitness exhibits, sports & recreational organizations, children’s activities, bike safety & tunings, sponsor booths, entertainment and more.

Portsmouth boasts a long history of professional bicycle racing: from a steady series of downtown races throughout the 1970s and 1980s, to three races held since 2000 attended by the highest-caliber national racers. This year a $4,000 prize list will bring some of the best cycling teams from around New England and the country. Closed streets will create a festival atmosphere from 11:00 to 5:00 pm.

For more details on the event, whether for the kids or the pros, visit the Portsmouth Criterium website at www.portsmouthcrit.com.

So bring the family and enjoy a great afternoon of cycling and fun in Market Square!