Get our newsletters

World-class cyclists return to Easton for Twilight Criterium

Posted

The Easton Twilight Criterium (ETC) is back for its fourth consecutive year, promising a day of top-tier bicycle racing and engaging activities for all ages in Downtown Easton on Saturday, May 25.

Hosted by the Greater Easton Development Partnership (GEDP) and the City of Easton, the Easton Twilight Criterium presented by Lehigh Valley Health Network showcases some of the globe’s most skilled cyclists as they zoom through downtown streets at speeds exceeding 40 miles per hour. The event marks the commencement of the Tour of Somerville race weekend, culminating in Somerville, N.J., on Monday, May 27, with North America’s longest running race.

With a challenging 0.8-mile circuit featuring six turns winding through Downtown Easton, over the course of the day approximately 500 cyclists across 12 fields will converge at the start/finish line in the 200 block of Northampton Street, just east of Centre Square. Amateurs and professional cyclists from around the world (including Canada, Europe, and the Caribbean), will vie for victory, winners jerseys, and over $10,000 in prizes.

The festivities extend beyond the race course, and spectators are encouraged to enjoy a full day of activities. The day begins with the Easton Farmers Market from 9 a.m. to noon at Scott Park.

On the morning of race day, riders can also participate in the inaugural Ride to the Race presented by Crayola. Riders choose their own route to finish by 11 a.m. at the Easton Public Market where riders can check their bikes at the bike valet and enjoy the party with wood-fired pizza and cold beverages from Scratch / Shawnee Craft. They will also receive a Crayola cycling cap, entry to win raffle items from race partners, and access to the tented viewing area to watch races later in the day.

Additional details available about the event can be found here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/ride-to-the-race-presented-by-crayola-tickets-876069797347.

The race course isn’t just for the competitive athletes. The Community Ride kicks off activities on the race course for the day, allowing families and individuals to pedal through closed streets and experience the course firsthand before the races begin. The Community Ride is free, but all participants are required to wear a helmet. Information is available at: https://eastontwilightcrit.com/resident-information/community-ride/.

In 2024, the Easton Twilight Criterium has activities for many active lifestyle locals.

The Valley Preferred Cycling Center is hosting a free Kid’s Zone in Centre Square. Bikes are provided, but kids can also bring their own. Helmets are required.

Homebase Skateshop and its Push Ahead program are hosting free “Learn to Skateboard” workshops for kids in the parking lot next to Mesa every hour from 2 to 5 p.m. Stop by and sign up; a limited number of drop-in spots will fill up fast.

Homebase Skateshop is putting up at least $100 in cash to see who can do the longest ollie. Stop by Turn 4 at Sette Luna Corner at 6:45 p.m. and see how far skaters can ollie right before the Women’s Pro race begins.

At 6:45 p.m., spectators can enjoy free competitions, including 12 o’clock, swerve, and circles, with prizes up for grabs. Starting at 6:15 p.m., with a registration fee of $30, runners will run a mile around the racecourse in a test of speed across various age categories. The fastest men and women will share $1,000 in prizes.

The Easton Twilight Criterium is rain or shine, and spectators can enjoy the races free of charge.

For information, race categories, and event details, visit https://eastontwilightcrit.com/ or contact info@longtailproductions.com.


Join our readers whose generous donations are making it possible for you to read our news coverage. Help keep local journalism alive and our community strong. Donate today.


X