850 Cyclists set to take on ‘The Crit’ in Downtown Spartanburg

In the bustling city of Spartanburg, a thrilling event is about to take place. The annual ‘Crit’, an adrenaline-fueled cycling race, is set to excite locals and visitors alike as 850 professional cyclists prepare to lock horns in a fiery show of pedal power. Adding to the festive ambiance, 112 tailgating tents dot the downtown locale, providing spectators a vantage point to cheer on their favorite racers and immerse in the electrifying atmosphere.

Riding With Speed: Ty Magner Story

Among the coterie of athletes participating in The Crit, we find Ty Magner, a 33-year-old professional cyclist hailing from Athens, Georgia. With an impressive career spreading over 15 years, including stints with elite cycling teams such as the Hincapie Racing Team in Greenville and The Fulton Flyers Cycling Club in Atlanta, Ty cherishes a profound passion for cycling developed during his childhood in the Georgia mountains. Tonight, he races for the L39ION in Los Angeles.

For this professional cyclist, The Crit is more than just a race—it’s a celebration of the sport he loves, a forum that encourages healthy lifestyles, and a platform that advocates for wellness at community schools and fights for local, affordable food. Ty believes that The Crit is embedded in the culture of Spartanburg, and people eagerly anticipate the race annually.

Come One, Come All, It’s The Crit

Presented by the Spartanburg Regional Healthcare System and organized to kickstart the entertaining Spring Fling festival, The Crit has been a cherished annual fundraiser of the Play. Advocate. Live Well (PAL) since its initiation in 2005. The race, which starts today at 3:15 p.m., will see six stimulating competitions—four amateur and two professional—taking place around the downtown loop of Main and Broad streets. Crowds will gather under 112 tailgating tents, ringing their cowbells in support of their favorite athletes.

Spring Fling Festival Hours

The popular Spring Fling Festival accompanying The Crit will be open for public enjoyment during the following hours: Friday from 5 to 10 p.m. , Saturday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., and Sunday from noon to 6 p.m.

Plan Your Visit: Road Closures and Parking Information

Visitors and locals are advised of several road closures scheduled from Wednesday evening until Sunday 11 p.m. Free downtown garage parking will be available all three days of the festival at Dunbar Street Garage, Kennedy Street Garage, Magnolia Street Garage, and St. John Street Garage.

With the city pulsating in anticipation of the spectacular race and the Spring Fling celebrations, all eyes are set on the downtown circuit. Whether Ty Magner speeds to victory in what he suggests may be his last year professionally, or an underdog pulls off a stunning triumph, tonight will indeed be “the fastest night in the Upstate.”

For further details or to register for the race, visit their official website. Don’t miss this grand cycling affair in the heart of Spartanburg.