The Natural State Criterium Series Returns to Downtown Springdale this Summer
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 3, 2022
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 about to get a whole lot faster. The Natural State Criterium Series presented by Tyson Foods will take place this summer during three nights of high energy, spectator-friendly races that start and end at 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.
“Good things seem to get their start in Downtown Springdale,” a spokesperson from Tyson Foods said. “We supported last year’s Natural State Criterium Series and witnessed the impact it had on our downtown and the cycling community. By supporting this type of event that draws cyclists from across the state and beyond, we hope to welcome Arkansans and people from across the country to this amazing place we’re proud to call home.”
The Natural State Criterium Series is presented by Tyson Foods and Downtown Springdale Alliance and supported by Buffalo Builders, the Tyson Family Foundation and Runway Group. The series is in partnership with Natural State Rock & Republic, Explore Springdale, Lewis & Clark Outfitters, Phat Tire, Pedal It Forward and the Springdale Bike Club.
“The Natural State Criterium Series premiered in downtown Springdale during the summer of 2021. We are so excited to bring it back to Springdale this summer,” says Jill Dabbs, Executive Director of Downtown Springdale Alliance. “With all that is developing in the world of cycling in our region, we believe this event has the potential to be on the national cycling calendar by 2023. How exciting to see the “NASCAR of Cycling” developing such a strong presence in Northwest Arkansas.”
RACE DETAILS:
The Natural State Criterium Series takes place on June 29, July 27, August 31. Each race takes place in downtown Springdale and starts at 5PM. Riders will compete for a $4,000 overall cash purse and a minimum of $4,000 for cash primes plus product and gift certificates for the series. Racing will be chip timed with live results. Events will be held rain or shine. Registration fees range from $15-$25 per race or $60-$75 for the entire series.
Additional details and to register at https://bit.ly/2S6syfZ.
Criterium Clinic
Led by pro road cyclists and coaches Ernie & Scotti Lechuga
5:00 PM
20 minutes
Level C (Cat 4/5 Men & Women)
5:30 PM
30 minutes
Level B (Cat 3/4 Men & Women)
6:15 PM
40 minutes
(Cash payout to the top 3 males and top 3 females)
Level A (Open Men and Women)
7:05 PM
50 minutes
(Cash payout to the top 5 males and top 5 females)
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 vibrancy in our dynamic downtown. 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.