Crawley is throwing its hat into the National Criterium ring this year as it hosts the second in the 10-race series on May 16th. The BAA Gatwick Crawley Criterium, organised by local clubs Crawley Wheelers and Crawley Cycling Club, is the first closed circuit cycle race to be held in the town.

The Sunday evening racing kicks off with a youth race at 5.30 – cups and prizes up for grabs – followed by a 3rd & 4th category race with prize money at stake. The evening’s highlight will be the elite race where there should be some exciting racing as riders compete for the first prize of £500. Entries for the elite have already come in from the Team Persil Great Britain squad and Tour De France veteran Sean Yates. Event supporters, Evans Cycles, are sending their race team, including last year’s winner of the Guildford Criterium and 2nd overall in the Series, Justin Hoy.

The course is over a tight and technical one-kilometre circuit starting at Queens Square. As the start/finish point, Queen’s square will be the focal point for spectators and there’ll be trade stands from the likes of Kona, GT, Mongoose and Muddy Fox, and other bits and pieces to keep the expected crowds occupied between races.

Given the tight course it should make great entertainment for spectators and if the recent weather keeps up there’ll be plenty of them.

Details

Crawley Leisure Park Novice/Children’s Race: start – 17.30: distance – depends on entries

The Esporta under 16’s Race: start – 18.00: distance – 20 mins plus 5 laps

The Evans Cycles Male and Female 3/4 Amateur Category Race : start – 18.40: distance – 35 mins plus 5 laps

The BAA Gatwick Elite Category Race: start – 19.50: distance – 50 mins plus 5 laps

Presentations between races: last presentation 21.00

Trade stands from 15:00