The Tour of Somerville stands as America’s Longest Running Bike Race, tracing its origins back to 1940. Throughout its storied history, the race has remained a fixture in Downtown Somerville, New Jersey, with the iconic start/finish line situated on South Main Street.
While the precise configuration of the course has evolved over the years, with adjustments to the placement of turns and the location of the finish line, one aspect has remained constant: the race’s characteristically flat, 4-corner criterium format. Since 2015, Downtown Somerville has experienced a remarkable revitalization, spearheaded by the efforts of the Downtown Somerville Alliance. This rejuvenation effort has seen the emergence of a diverse array of culinary delights, including an abundance of enticing restaurants, cozy coffee shops, and vibrant businesses that now dot the town’s landscape.
As you plan your race day experience, be sure to extend your stay and immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of Downtown Somerville. Indulge in delectable meals, savor refreshing drinks, and explore the eclectic offerings of this dynamic community, ensuring that your visit to the Tour of Somerville is a truly unforgettable experience.
The cycling race is only open to riders holding valid USA Cycling licenses. Participants must possess a current 2024 racing license, with the option to acquire one-day licenses accessible during the registration process at BikeReg.com. Additional details regarding the acquisition of racing licenses can be found at USA Cycling.
Register
Schedules
Memorial Day Weekend Schedule
- Friday, May 24 – TRACK – Friday Night Under the Lights at the Valley Preferred Cycling Center, Trexlertown, PA
- Saturday, May 25 – Easton Twilight Criterium, 1-Mile Dash for Cash
- Sunday, May 26 – Tour of Plainfield (New Jersey State Criterium Championships), Plainfield, New Jersey
- Monday, May 27 – Tour of Somerville, (America’s Longest Running Bike Race), Somerville, New Jersey
- Tuesday, May 28 – TRACK – Super Tuesday Pro-Am Racing at the Valley Preferred Cycling Center, Trexlertown, PA
For additional racing info, contact us.
Tour of Somerville Schedule for Monday, May 27
- 8:00am Family Fun Ride. Register at https://register.communitypass.net/somerville
- 8:30am Memorial Day Parade (on course)
- 9:25am Junior Girls 15-18, 9-14, Boys 9-14 (Staggered start, chip timing)
- 9:55am Master’s Men 55+ Category 1-4
- 10:40am Men Category 4
- 11:20am Women 3/4/Novice Race
- 12:00pm Master’s Men 40+ Category 1-4
- 12:55pm Junior Boys 15-18 Category 1-4
- 1:50pm Men Category 2/3
- 3:00pm Milred Kugler Women’s Pro/1/2/3
- Women’s Podium to Follow
- 4:25pm Kugler-Anderson Memorial Men’s Pro/1/2
- Men’s Podium to Follow
Race Info
Criterium Course Route
Distance: 1.1 miles
Avg Gradient: 0%
Number of Turns: 4 (4x Left)
119 South Main Street is the address closest to the start-finish line. The line is at the intersection of South Main and Union Street. Athlete Registration, Podium, and Payout are also located here.
Athlete Participation Logistics
Parking
Please refer to the map above. There is reserved parking for athletes at the middle school on Davenport and West High Street. This usually fills early, so refer to the map for additional lots. There is also street parking.
Athlete Event Check-in
Athlete Event Check-in and Number Pick Up is located near start-finish on the INSIDE of the course. The closest address is the intersection Union St and West Main Street, next to Wolfgang’s Steakhouse (119 West Main St)
Number Pick-up
Number pick-up closes 30 minutes before any race start time. Anyone outside this time cannot pick up their number or timing chip, even if you have pre-registered.
Timing Chips
Timing Chips will only be used by the Junior combined race block (Girls 15-18, Girls 9-14, Boys 9-14). All other races will be by number and finish camera only.
Timing chips must be placed on the front fork of your bike, no higher than 8″ from the axle. It can be placed on either side of the fork.
If you currently own a Race Result timing chip, CRCA, Prospect Park, etc., please bring it with you and race with it. It will make the registration process much smoother, and you won’t have to return the chip after your race. We will have rental chips available at registration for those that don’t own their own chip.
These chips MUST be returned, or you will be invoiced for the replacement cost of $100. If you are only racing Easton, return after Easton. Otherwise, return after Somerville.
Athlete Staging
All riders must report to Athlete Staging on South Main Street and Davenport 30 minutes before their event starts.
Grid Start
For Category 2 and 3, the top 10 returning riders are placed at the front of the grid. Places 11 to 100 are placed by registration time.
For Category 4 and Novice events, the top 10 returning riders are placed at the front of the grid. Places 11 to 75 are placed by registration time.
For Category Pro, 1, and 2, the top 10 returning riders are placed at the front of the grid. 11-18 are reserved for the Race Director’s Discretion. 19-100 are placed by registration time.
Regardless of category or rank, all day-of registrations are placed at the back of the grid.
Refund Policy
Please refer to the refund page for the latest policy. We’ve created a policy allowing riders to register early but reduce the concern of not being able to start in Easton or Somerville due to a mid-season injury or other situation.
Start Lists
Start lists will be published by Friday, May 24th. They can also be found at Athlete Staging.
Awards and Payout
Prizes for all other races are based on the overall result of the event.
Amateur Races compete for Medals, Jerseys, and Primes. Advertisement primes will be called by the announcer and the ringing of the bell at the start-finish line. The announcer, race officials, or event director reserves the ability to award the prime in 1) Single amount 2) split between multiple places 3) solely to the breakaway 4) solely to the field.
Professional Races compete for $10,000, Medals, Jerseys, and Primes. Advertisement primes will be called by the announcer and the ringing of the bell at the start-finish line. The announcer, race officials, or event director reserves the ability to award the prime in 1) Single amount 2) split between multiple places 3) solely to the breakaway 4) solely to the field.
Crowd Primes are in addition to the Advertisement Primes described above. These will be any dollars or prizes brought to the Stage on race day. These awards are collected as a sum-total of their value to be distributed solely as “Crowd Primes.” Any person or business who wishes to have a specific message read by the announcer should consider an Advertisement Prime before race day.
Payout
Prize payments: riders may collect prize money, primes, and awards on the day of competition at prize payout, located at the registration trailer at the start/finish line.
Prizes and awards (both cash and non-cash) not claimed within 60 days of the race will be voided and returned to the promoter. No exceptions. If a rider in contention for prizes or awards cannot be present to collect post-race, they are encouraged to leave contact information with the stage manager or race promoter AND EMAIL to follow up post-race to info@longtailproductions.com
Rules
USA Cycling rules to govern.