HIGH ROLLER CRIT
5.19.2018
WHAT IS A CRITERIUM?
What am I watching? Criterium bike races (or crits, for short) are a series of short, fast paced races held on a closed loop course between .5 and 2 miles in length. Think NASCAR here, not Tour de France. There are several races throughout the day, each one featuring a field of riders of equal skill and ability. The races are timed; there is no fixed distance. Officials begin counting down laps as the race nears the end of its time allotment. To keep the pace high and action going throughout the race, about every five minutes there are little one lap races within the race called prime laps. The field will race to win a prize for the first one across the line on that lap. The racers are competing for valuable prizes and high cash payouts for the winners. You will see a blur of colors and hear the buzz of gears as the racers go by lap after lap. Crits are exciting for both racers and spectators alike!
This course races around downtown, and there are several good viewing spots to watch the action. There are also great spots for eating, drinking, relaxing, and being entertained. This race is designed to have a festival type atmosphere, centering around our new Downtown Commons. We are encouraging everyone to come downtown to watch some racing and enjoy the day rediscovering downtown. There is live music at Downtown Commons during the High Roller Crit After Party, so stick around.
There are some guidelines for spectators, however.
This course races around downtown, and there are several good viewing spots to watch the action. There are also great spots for eating, drinking, relaxing, and being entertained. This race is designed to have a festival type atmosphere, centering around our new Downtown Commons. We are encouraging everyone to come downtown to watch some racing and enjoy the day rediscovering downtown. There is live music at Downtown Commons during the High Roller Crit After Party, so stick around.
There are some guidelines for spectators, however.
- The course is CLOSED. There can be no car traffic on the race course. Please park outside the course and walk in to the event arena.
- Find a course marshal and let him or her guide you when crossing the course. There are races happening all the time, so cross only when and where it is appropriate.
- Pets around the course MUST BE KEPT ON A TIGHT LEASH! Loose dogs and bicycles usually don't get along well, and a roaming dog on the course can cause disaster.
- Please keep your hands and things on your side of the course barrier or marker.
- Please be respectful and put your trash in one of the many trash receptacles located around the course.
- Bring a fold-up chair if you want to sit a lot, or feel free to roam about the event area. Although you may find that you want to, there is no need to stay ALL DAY. Come and go as you please, there are no tickets for this open air event.
- Enjoy yourself and have fun!
- 9:00am - 6:00pm - Fast Racing around Downtown
- Kids races 12:00 - 1:00
- Sunday, May 19 - Espinazo del Diablo Road Race in nearby Dover, TN
Clarksville is Tennessee's oldest incorporated city, and you'll see it in our beautiful period architecture. Located on the Cumberland River about 45 miles northwest of Nashville, Clarksville offers fun for the entire family with outdoor recreation, arts and culture, local restaurants, and attractions.