850 Cyclists to Rev their Pedals at The Crit in Spartanburg Tonight

An Overview of the Race

The Crit, a closed-circuit, multi-lap race is all set to enliven the streets of downtown Spartanburg tonight. Touted as “the fastest night in the Upstate” by its organizers, the race is more than just a cycling spectacle – it’s a community event. This year, a whopping 850 cyclists are slated to participate, and the sidelines would brim with nearly 112 tailgating tents.

The Man to Watch

Amongst the sea of athletes, one name stands out – Ty Magner. This 33-year-old professional cyclist from Athens, Georgia, has been a constant figure at the Spartanburg Criterium since 2010. With a 15-year career spanning 20 countries and numerous wins, Magner brings his love for cycling and competitive spirit to The Crit each year. However, this year’s race holds special significance for him as it could potentially be his last as a professional cyclist.

Kick-off to Spring Fling’s Weekend

This annual race aids the kick-off to Spring Fling, a three-day weekend-long event of family-friendly fun. The Crit is not only a visual spectacle and a competition of speed but also a vehicle for promoting health and wellness in Spartanburg. Proceeds from The Crit benefit PAL: Play. Advocate. Live Well, an initiative that supports local wellness programs, accessible food, and trails.

Crit Race Schedule

The Crit Bike Race commences at precisely 3:15 p.m. It comprises six races, four for amateur riders and two professional ones. The last race is scheduled to begin at 8:05 p.m:

Amateur Races

• Stravolo Wealth Management Amateur Women’s Cat 4/5 – 3:15 p.m
• One Spartanburg, Inc. Amateur Men’s Cat 4/5 – 3:50 p.m
• Milliken Masters 35+ Cat 1-4 – 4:25 p.m
• Mary Black Foundation Kids Ride – 5:15 p.m

Professional Races

• The Johnson Group Women’s Pro – 6:55 p.m
• Spartanburg Regional Health Care System Men’s Pro – 8:05 p.m

About Spring Fling

Spring Fling ensues from April 26-28 and is open to all. Festival hours are as follows:

• Friday – 5-10 p.m
• Saturday – 11 a.m.-9 p.m
• Sunday – noon-6 p.m

Road Closures

Several road closures throughout Spartanburg will commence Wednesday, April 24 and will continue through 11 p.m. Sunday, April 28. The most crucial ones include:

• Wednesday closures: East Broad Street, from Church to Converse starting at 11 p.m. until 9 p.m. on Saturday
• Thursday closures: Church Street, from Kennedy to St. John and Converse Street, from Kennedy to Dunbar, starting at 11 p.m. until 1 a.m. Saturday
• Sunday closure: West Main Street, from Church to Daniel Morgan, beginning at 11 p.m. Thursday and continuing until 11 p.m. Sunday

Parking Information

Free parking throughout Spring Fling will be available in the following downtown garages:

• Dunbar Street Garage, with 650 spaces available
• Kennedy Street Garage, with 750 spaces available
• Magnolia Street Garage, with 554 spaces available
• St. John Street Garage, with 750 spaces available