The Natural State Criterium Series Returns to Downtown Springdale this Summer
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 11, 2023
Contact: Jill Dabbs, Executive Director
Downtown Springdale
jill@downtownspringdale.org / (501) 425-0478
The Natural State Criterium Series Returns to Downtown Springdale this Summer
Springdale, AR – Downtown Springdale is once again hosting the Natural State Criterium Series this summer. The Natural State Criterium Series presented by Tyson Foods will take place during three weeknights of high energy, spectator-friendly races that start and end on Emma Avenue in front of Shiloh Square at 106 W Emma Ave.
Racing action begins with a beginner-friendly, coached clinic which will teach handling skills, proper racing etiquette and tactics. This will be followed by three different levels of racing from beginner to the final event which may have some local pros jumping into the mix. These are USA Cycling-sanctioned criterium races with fast riders.
“The Natural State Criterium Series premiered in downtown Springdale during the summer of 2021. We are thrilled to bring it back to Springdale this summer,” says Jill Dabbs, Executive Director of Downtown Springdale Alliance. “Last summer we saw more than 300 cyclists compete—making it the largest mid-week cash purse in the country. We hosted cyclists from seven states and as far as Utah. We expect more cyclists, more crowds cheering them on and faster times this year!”
Spectators can enjoy the race from the Outdoor Dining District. Many of the downtown businesses will be open during race time. Families with young children can enjoy a Kids Zone hosted by Buddy Pegs and Pedal It Forward throughout Turnbow Park and inside Shiloh Square.
The Natural State Criterium Series takes place on May 31, June 28 and July 26. Following the Natural State Criterium Series, downtown Springdale will host the Arkansas State Criterium Championships on July 30 from 8AM-3PM. Registration is available at https://bit.ly/3GnUtyk.
RACE DETAILS:
The Natural State Criterium Series takes place on May 31, June 28 and July 26. Each race takes place in downtown Springdale and starts at 4:30PM. Riders will compete for a $4,000 cash purse over the three races and a minimum of $4,000 for cash primes plus product and gift certificates. Racing will be chip timed with live results. Events will be held rain or shine. Registration fees range from $15-75. There is no charge to watch the races.
Registration is available for individual nights and the overall series at https://bit.ly/412JP87.
Criterium Clinic
Led by pro road cyclists and coaches
4:30 PM
20 minutes
Women (Cat 3/4/5)
5:00 PM
20 minutes
Level C (Cat 4/5 Men & Women)
5:30 PM
30 minutes
Fat Tire
6:10 PM
2 laps
Level B (Cat 3/4 Men & Women)
6:30 PM
40 minutes
(Cash payout to the top 3 males and top 3 females)
Level A (Open Men and Women)
7:15 PM
50 minutes
(Cash payout to the top 5 males and top 5 females)
The Natural State Criterium Series is presented by Downtown Springdale Alliance and Tyson Foods. It is supported by ARVEST, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Blue Crane, Buffalo Builders, Cram-A-Lot, Dentistry of the Ozarks, Ecological Design Group, Explore Springdale, McLarty Daniel, Milestone Construction Company and Ozarks Go. The series is in partnership with Springdale Bike Club, Buddy Pegs, Arkansas Children’s Hospital, Pedal It Forward, Rolling Video Games, Springdale Public Library and The Jones Center.
More information about the Natural State Criterium Series can be found at downtownspringdale.org.
ABOUT DOWNTOWN SPRINGDALE ALLIANCE:
Downtown Springdale Alliance is a nonprofit that was formed in 2011 with a mission to create a vibrant downtown Springdale. For more information, visit www.downtownspringdale.org.
ABOUT TYSON FOODS:
Tyson Foods, Inc. (NYSE: TSN) is one of the world’s largest food companies and a recognized leader in protein. Founded in 1935 by John W. Tyson and grown under three generations of family leadership, the company has a broad portfolio of products and brands like Tyson®, Jimmy Dean®, Hillshire Farm®, Ball Park®, Wright®, Aidells®, ibp®, and State Fair®. Tyson Foods innovates continually to make protein more sustainable, tailor food for everywhere it’s available and raise the world’s expectations for how much good food can do. Headquartered in Springdale, Arkansas, the company has 139,000 team members. Through its Core Values, Tyson Foods strives to operate with integrity, create value for its shareholders, customers, communities and team members and serve as a steward of the animals, land and environment entrusted to it. Visit tysonfoods.com to learn more.