City of Rochester to Host International Cycling

–The MVP Health Care Rochester Twilight Criterium Returns in May–

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT:  Scott Page
585-520-1166

ROCHESTER, NY, February 5, 2018 — The MVP Health Care Rochester Twilight Criterium will return to Downtown Rochester for a fourth consecutive year on Saturday, May 19.  MVP Health Care is the new title sponsor for this health-focused, family friendly community event, which is being held several months earlier than its typical late summer date.

For the fourth straight year, the event is part of USA Cycling’s Professional Road Tour (the highest level of professional cycling in the U.S.). One of only nine criteriums on the calendar, the MVP Health Care Rochester Twilight Criterium will feature top male and female athletes from around the country and beyond. These professional men and women will race for $12,000 prize purses. As it did in 2017, the event will also showcase some of the nation’s finest 17- to 22-year-old amateur athletes.

Criteriums are best explained as a uniquely American-style bike race. The nine-corner course, located right in the center of Rochester, is considered one of the world’s best. “This racing provides incredible lap-after-lap excitement highlighting the athletes’ extraordinary bike-handling skills combined with explosive speed! In short, what NASCAR is to automobile racing, criteriums are to bike racing,” said Scott Page, executive director of the criterium. “This is one of the few times spectators can watch the fast-paced action for free, just inches away from these amazing professional athletes!”

“The City of Rochester remains a proud sponsor of this world-class event,” said Rochester Mayor Lovely A. Warren. “Professional cycling in the heart of Downtown provides our city with a heart-pounding vibrancy that cannot be matched by many other events.”

“The MVP Health Care Rochester Twilight Criterium brings outstanding athletes and thousands of spectators to Rochester each year for exciting races and a day full of fun activities for people of all ages,” said Mollie Rooney, MVP director of marketing and communications. “We are excited to join as title sponsor this year and to continue to build on our partnership with the City of Rochester in our commitment to creating a healthy community.”

The Rochester Mile running race, featuring one-mile races for elite female and male runners, is back again for the second year as part of the day’s events. New in 2018, the MVP Health Care Rochester Twilight Criterium has added a Big Wheel Kids Race on a small, modified course. The Big Wheel race is free for all children who want to participate, with bikes and helmets available for use.

For more info, visit: www.rochestercrit.com or www.rochestermile.com

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2018 MVP Health Care Rochester Twilight Criterium & Rochester Mile
Event Schedule

3:45 pm         ROADS CLOSED TO TRAFFIC
4:15- 5:15      Big Wheel Kids Races (in the Food Court Area) Kids races
5:05-5:20      ALL BICYCLE RACE CATEGORIES Open Practice
5:30-6:15      17-18 Jr / U23 Cycling 45 minute race
6:25-7:25      PRO-1-2 Women Cycling 60 minute race
7:40                Elite Women 1-Mile Running Race 1 lap race
8:00                Elite Men 1-Mile Running Race 1 lap race
8:30-10:10    PRO-1 Men Cycling 100 minute race
10:20              Elite Running & Pro Cycling Awards Podium Presentations