The Tour of Somerville stands as America’s Longest Running Bike Race, tracing its origins back to 1940. Throughout its storied history, the race has remained a fixture in Downtown Somerville, New Jersey, with the iconic start/finish line situated on South Main Street.
While the precise configuration of the course has evolved over the years, with adjustments to the placement of turns and the location of the finish line, one aspect has remained constant: the race’s characteristically flat, 4-corner criterium format. Since 2015, Downtown Somerville has experienced a remarkable revitalization, spearheaded by the efforts of the Downtown Somerville Alliance. This rejuvenation effort has seen the emergence of a diverse array of culinary delights, including an abundance of enticing restaurants, cozy coffee shops, and vibrant businesses that now dot the town’s landscape.
As you plan your race day experience, be sure to extend your stay and immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of Downtown Somerville. Indulge in delectable meals, savor refreshing drinks, and explore the eclectic offerings of this dynamic community, ensuring that your visit to the Tour of Somerville is a truly unforgettable experience.
The cycling race is only open to riders holding valid USA Cycling licenses. Participants must possess a current 2024 racing license, with the option to acquire one-day licenses accessible during the registration process at BikeReg.com. Additional details regarding the acquisition of racing licenses can be found at USA Cycling.
Register
Schedules
Memorial Day Weekend Schedule
Saturday, May 25 – Easton Twilight Criterium (PA State Criterium Championships), 1-Mile Dash for Cash
Sunday, May 26 – Tour of Plainfield (New Jersey State Criterium Championships), Plainfield, New Jersey
Monday, May 27 – Tour of Somerville, (America’s Longest Running Bike Race), Somerville, New Jersey
For additional racing info, contact us.
Tour of Somerville Schedule for Monday, May 27
- 8:00am Family Fun Ride. Register at https://register.communitypass.net/somerville
- 8:30am Community Parade
- 9:25am Junior Girls 15-18, 9-14, Boys 9-14 (Staggered start)
- 9:55am Master’s Men 55+ Category 1-4
- 10:40am Men Category 4
- 11:20am Women 3/4/Novice Race
- 12:00pm Master’s Men 40+ Category 1-4
- 12:55pm Junior Boys 15-18 Category 1-4
- 1:50pm Men Category 2/3
- 3:00pm Milred Kugler Women’s Pro/1/2/3
- 4:25pm Kugler-Anderson Memorial Men’s Pro/1/2
Race Info
Criterium Course Route
Distance: 1.1 miles
Avg Gradient: 0%
Number of Turns: 4 (4x Left)
119 South Main Street is the address closest to the start-finish line. The line is at the intersection of South Main and Union Street. Athlete Registration, Podium, and Payout are also located here.
Parking
Please refer to the map above. There is reserved parking for athletes at the middle school on Davenport and West High Street. This usually fills early, so refer to the map for additional lots. There is also street parking.
Grid Start
All riders must report to Athlete Staging on South Main Street and Davenport 30 minutes before their event starts. Grid Start rank is based on the top ten finishers from last year’s race, then discretionary starters, then when a rider registered for the racer. So a racer who registered early will be placed further up on the grid then someone who registers the day prior. All day-of registrations are placed at the back of the grid.
Start Lists
Start lists will be published by Sunday, May 26th. They can also be found at Athlete Staging.
Timing Chips
Timing Chips will be used to score riders in all races. If you currently own a Race Result timing chip, CRCA, Prospect Park, etc., please bring it with you and race with it. It will make the registration process much smoother, and you won’t have to return the chip after your race. We will have rental chips available at registration for those without a chip at no cost. However, these chips MUST be returned after your race, or you will be invoiced for the replacement cost of $100. Anyone who has not returned a chip will have to pay MainSport Timing for their chip at any race they are involved in before you can start that race.
Awards and Payout
Amateur Races compete for Medals, Jerseys, and Primes. Advertisement primes will be called by the announcer and the ringing of the bell at the start-finish line. The announcer, race officials, or event director reserves the ability to award the prime in 1) Single amount 2) split between multiple places 3) solely to the breakaway 4) solely to the field.
Professional Races compete for $10,000, Medals, Jerseys, and Primes. Advertisement primes will be called by the announcer and the ringing of the bell at the start-finish line. The announcer, race officials, or event director reserves the ability to award the prime in 1) Single amount 2) split between multiple places 3) solely to the breakaway 4) solely to the field.
Crowd Primes are in addition to the Advertisement Primes described above. These will be any dollars or prizes brought to the Stage on race day. These awards are collected as a sum-total of their value to be distributed solely as “Crowd Primes.” Any person or business who wishes to have a specific message read by the announcer should consider an Advertisement Prime before race day. Historically speaking, the Tour of Somerville raises a few thousand dollars, but this is not guaranteed by the event or event directors.
Rules
USA Cycling rules to govern.