Downtown Market Square in Portsmouth NH was transformed into a high-speed
professional race course for world-class cyclists! A $4,000 prize list brought some of
the best cycling teams from around the country. Closed streets created a festival
atmosphere from 1 to 6 p.m. in the heart of the Seacoast.

There is a long history of professional bicycle racing in downtown Portsmouth: from a
steady series of races throughout the 1980s to a criterium in 2000 attended by the
highest-caliber domestic racers.

Drawing from the experience from the 2000 event and that of other New England bicycle
races, we chose this time to avoid the summer tourist peak, and with the hope of
boosting downtown businesses during the “shoulder” season.

There were race events for riders of all abilities, from amateur competitors to
professional racers to children of all ages.