Virginia's Blue Ridge Downtown Twilight Criterium

Oh, it's on like Donkey Kong! A whopping $15,000 is up for grabs at the inaugural Virginia's Blue Ridge Downtown Twilight Criterium. On May 21, professional cyclists from all over the U.S. will take to the streets of downtown Roanoke. A criterium, better known as a crit, is a high-energy, fast-paced, spectator-friendly cycling race that is designed to provide spectators with one heck of an evening of fun. Professional road cyclists (100+) traveling in a tight pack, will race lap after lap through the streets of downtown, each jockeying for the lead. A pack of riders will zoom by your watching point, but don't blink -- they'll pass by again in about 90 seconds. The women's race lasts 60 minutes, the men's race goes 90 minutes, and masters (age 35+) for 45 minutes. Force your way to the fence line so you don't miss any of the action, grab a beer, and listen to live music on Martin's Downtown outdoor stage, or wander into the race expo beer garden next to Blue 5.