A Criterium bike race called the High Roller Crit was scheduled for Clarksville this summer. Then it was canceled.
What Is a Crit?
A criterium – or crit, for short – is a series of short, fast-paced bicycle races. Crits are generally held on short courses, less than 2 miles in length.
During a crit, a number of races are held throughout the day. Racers are matched based on skill and ability. Interestingly, the races are not held over a fixed distance. Instead, they are timed and laps are counted.
To keep things interesting, one lap races called prime laps are interspersed about every five minutes. During a prime lap, racers in the ongoing race compete to cross the lap’s finish line and win prizes.
A Crit-ical Cancellation
The buzz of spinning pedals, the breeze as the brightly clad racers blur past. Downtown Clarksville’s first crit was held in May 2018. Locals and tourists alike could enjoy the excitement of race day with a drink or delicious appetizer in hand, bringing business to local restaurants.
This second annual event was scheduled for May 2019. It was to be centered around the Downtown Commons, sporting a festival atmosphere. Seating outside downtown restaurants would offer outdoor dining, giving you front-row seats and great eats. Live musical performances were planned in the Downtown Commons after the races concluded.
While this article was being prepared, however, the words “Race Cancelled” appeared in large letters atop the High Roller Crit website.
The reason? One of the event’s sponsors cited a lack of support from downtown businesses.
Races such as this one represent a rare tourism opportunity. According to USA Cycling, “the national governing body for the sport of cycling in the United States,” only a handful of bicycle races are scheduled in the state of Tennessee each year, including two crits in 2019.
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Cara Siera is a freelance writer and photographer with a passion for travel and exotic cuisine. Join Cara, her husband Marc, and one very spoiled German Shepherd on their next great adventure.