Somerville, NJ /ENDURANCE SPORTSWIRE/ – The adrenaline-fueled excitement of competitive cycling is poised to take center stage in Somerville as the iconic “Tour of Somerville” gears up for its 79th-year edition. Organized by Arts on Division and Long Tail Productions, this event has evolved into a community-wide celebration that invites the public to witness the excitement and cheer on participants in this historic cycling spectacle.
The festivities kick off at 8 am with the family fun ride put on by Somerville Recreation, followed by the traditional Memorial Day parade. The family fun ride provides an opportunity for cycling enthusiasts of all skill levels to pedal through the course before the pros take the stage. Advance registration is encouraged, but you can also register day of for $5/household with exact change! Helmets are mandatory. (At 8:00 a.m., Riders leave from the start/finish line on 119 W Main Street, Somerville, NJ.) Register: https://register.communitypass.net/somerville.
The Tour of Somerville presented by Unity Bank promises to be a riveting spectacle, uniting cyclists from diverse backgrounds and skill levels to compete in a challenging race through the heart of Somerville. The strategically designed Somerville course offers optimal viewing opportunities for spectators, with racers reaching upwards of 40 mph. Notable teams in attendance will be LA Sweat, Miami Blazers, Legion of Los Angeles, DNA Pro Cycling, and DCC-Alpecin.
In 2023, the event witnessed a 30% increase in participation, with over 640 participants, bringing the numbers back to mid-2000s levels. Thousands were in attendance to watch the racing, underscoring the growing popularity of the Tour of Somerville presented by Unity Bank.
Unity Bank, the presenting sponsor through 2025, invites the general public to come out, enjoy the action, and be part of this dynamic experience. Whether you’re a cycling enthusiast, a casual observer, or a family looking for an exciting weekend outing, the Tour of Somerville promises an unforgettable experience for all.
Long Tail Productions and the Tour of Somerville would like to thank, in addition to presenting sponsor Unity Bank, supportive partners Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital (RWJUH) Somerset, Somerset County, Somerset County Business Partnership, Visit Somerset County, Land Rover Princeton, Clinton Honda, the Somerset Patriots, Downtown Somerville Alliance, Extensis HR, POP’s Bike Shop, Elk’s Club, Vie13 Kustom Apparel and Tito’s. As well as special thanks go to the Borough of Somerville, Somerville Police Department, Somerville Public Works, Somerville and Somerset OEM, and Somerville Rescue Squad for their unwavering support.
RWJUH Somerset, an RWJBarnabas Health facility, is returning in 2024 with a focus on enhancing amenities for all spectators. Specifically, there will be improved audio along the start-finish area, along with remote sound towers providing coverage in additional areas around the course, all brought to you by RWJUH Somerset.
Other exciting additions in 2024 include:
- A kids’ course hosted by POP’s Bike Shop will take place outside Turn 1 on Main Street between N. Bridge and Grove. Kids can bring their own bikes or borrow a demo bike on-site to try.
- A course side VIP tent sponsored by the Somerset County Business Partnership provides priority viewing right along the fence line of the race just past the finish line.
For more information, race categories, and event details, please visit https://www.tourofsomerville.com/ or contact info@longtailproductions.com
Long Tail Productions is a passionate advocate for cycling and community engagement. Committed to promoting the sport at all levels, the organization strives to create events that bring people together, celebrate athleticism, and showcase the thrill of competitive cycling to a diverse audience.