The 11th Annual Historic Roswell Criterium returns on Sunday, April 29, 2012 with an expanded schedule of events for spectators, professional cyclists, as well as the rising stars of the future. Having started in 2002, the Historic Roswell Criterium has established itself as the largest single-day series of races in the eastern United States, and second largest in the United States.
 
The event is sanctioned by USA Cycling, Inc. In addition, the Historic Roswell Criterium continues for a fourth season as part of the USA CRITS Speed Week. This racing series has a combined prize purse of more than $120,000 for eight days of racing in Georgia and South Carolina. The Historic Roswell Criterium traditionally hosts more than 750 cyclists for these races, making it one of the largest days of criterium racing in the U.S.  In 2011, it was second in the nation in size of race registrations, with only the Dana Point Grand Prix in Southern California being larger.
 
This year two junior races have been added to the schedule of events for Masters, Cat 1-4 women and Cat 1-5 men. Races begin at 10 a.m. in this northern suburb of Atlanta, and finish with the Men’s Pro/1/2 90-minute featured event at 6 p.m. The men’s and women’s professional races at the end of the day will feature some of the best athletes in North America.  All races will take place on a one-mile, tree-lined loop in historic Roswell, surrounded by restaurants and shops.  Advance registration fees for adult events range from $45 to $50; junior races are $30. All races will be managed by Ascent Productions, Inc.
 
“The Historic Roswell Criterium has become so much more than just a day of bicycle races in our community. It is a tradition that focuses on fitness, family, food and fun,” said Roswell Mayor Jere Wood.  “It’s a great springtime showcase for our city. Bring the kids, your dog, a picnic lunch and enjoy a great day in Historic Roswell. We want to thoroughly entertain the thousands of spectators we draw each year, and make them want to come back again and again throughout the year.”
 
The youngest athletes on bicycles and tricycles will have an opportunity to pedal for medals in the 11th annual Kids Races. The Kids Races are open for children, ages six to 12 years, who complete the Kiwanis Club of Historic Roswell Kids Bicycle Safety Rodeo earlier in the day. The Historic Roswell Kiwanis Kids Rodeo and Kids Races are free.   
 
An expanded Vendor Village and Expo will be open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. in an area along Canton and Webb streets at the south end of the bicycle race course. Some of the professional teams will park official support vehicles in this area so that fans can easily engage with the riders and access athlete autographs and giveaway items. Throughout the day, spectators should look for restaurant and shop specials. Two New Belgium Beer Gardens will be open for the Criterium from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Canton Street. In addition, spectators can view the Moving Parts of the Arts, a bicycle art display on several streets near the race. One-of-a-kind works of art will be created from bicycles, bicycle parts, and bicycle accessories.  This project has been coordinated by the Roswell Cultural Arts Board and with bicycles donated by Roswell Bicycles.
 
Many spectators and families are expected to ride their bicycles to the course and spectator areas following the Roswell Mayor’s Ride.  This event is organized by Bike Roswell!, the grassroots organization that helped the city gain national recognition as a Bicycle Friendly Community.  There are three ride options - a free family six-mile ride, and 20-mile and 42-mile ride options.  Advanced registration is open at BikeReg.com, $25 per individual, $60 per three-person family, $65 for a four-person family and $10 per each family member beyond four. All participants receive lunch after the rides.
 
Presenting Sponsors for the 11th Annual Historic Roswell Criterium include Moncrief Air, New Belgium Brewing Co., Roswell Bicycles and City of Roswell. Other event sponsors include Harry's Farmers Market, Children’s Orthopaedics of Atlanta, Georgia Natural Gas, Kiwanis Club of Historic Roswell, North Georgia Cycling Association, USA CRITS Speed Week and Roswell Convention and Visitors Bureau. For information on registration for races, kids rodeo and all event information, visit www.roswellcriterium.com.  
 
About the Historic Roswell Criterium:
Along with the City of Roswell, the Historic Roswell Criterium is supported by Roswell Bicycles, Roswell Convention & Visitors Bureau, Kiwanis Club of Roswell and Peloton Sports.  The event is managed by Ascent Productions. A criterium is a bicycle race held on a short, closed circuit on which riders complete multiple laps.  The Roswell Criterium is one mile in length, on which competitors can reach speeds of up to 44 miles per hour. For more information on the Historic Roswell Criterium, including race map, registration and local hotel information, visit www.roswellcriterium.com. Also follow on Facebook (Roswell Cycling Festival) and Twitter (@roswellcrit). The official web site is www.roswellcriterium.com.
 
About USA CRITS Speed Week:
Swagger LLC, based in Athens, Georgia, produces USA CRITS Speed Week, which returns to the streets of Georgia and South Carolina April 28 through May 6, 2012.  The week of racing, which includes the Historic Roswell Criterium on April 29, will once again offer one of the largest prize purses in North America with $120,000 in prize money for the week. The official website isusacrits.com/speedweek.
 
About USA Cycling:
Recognized by the United States Olympic Committee and the Union Cycliste Internationale, USA Cycling is the official governing body for all disciplines of competitive cycling in the United States, including road, track, mountain bike, BMX and cyclo-cross. As a membership-based organization, USA Cycling comprises 70,000 licensees; 2,500+ clubs and teams; and 34 local associations. The national governing body sanctions 3,000+ competitive and non-competitive events throughout the U.S. each year, manages 17 national championship events and is responsible for fostering the identification, development, and support of American cyclists. To learn more about USA Cycling, visit usacycling.org.