Cycling Pro Road & Mtb

USA Cycling announces National Criterium Calendar for 2012

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Parent Category: Cycling Pro Road & Mtb

Category: News Cycling Pro Road & Mtb 2011

Published on Thursday, 28 July 2011 12:37

Written by Luca Salvatelli

USA Cycling is pleased to announce the National Criterium Calendar (NCC). Designed to highlight the nation’s top criterium events and riders, the NCC will begin in 2012.

The NCC will open for bids immediately and is expected to include the top dozen or so marquee American criterium events. Beginning in 2012, criterium-only events will not be included on USA Cycling’s National Racing Calendar (NRC), but will instead bid to be a part of the new, National Criterium Calendar.

"The new NCC will aim to give criterium racing, a uniquely American discipline, its own forum showcasing its own heroes," stated USA Cycling Managing Director of National Events Micah Rice.

One of the most common type of bicycle racing in the United States, criterium races are typically run on closed, city center streets and are exciting events for spectators both live and on television. Successful criterium racers often possess a unique and exceptional mix of technical skills and sprinting ability compared to other long-format road races.

USA Cycling will continue to carefully manage date conflicts for both the NRC and NCC. All of the NCC races will be included on the UCI Criterium calendar, which presently allows ProTeam and Pro Continental team riders to compete in those events.

Starting in 2012, the NRC will be comprised of a combination of America’s top road races, stage races and mixed omniums including any .2 UCI event and will continue to be the showcase for the top American teams and riders.