Basic Information:
The 38th Original Merced Criterium, in Merced
Date: Sunday March 2, 2025
Times: Set Up: 6 a.m. to 8 a.m.
Street Closure: 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
•Events: 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Clean-Up: 3:30 pm to 5: 00 p.m.
Location: A 0.7 mile loop of Merced City streets including the loop behind the old Courthouse, with a start finish line on M at 19th
Course: The course has been a fast paced circuit in the City, starting and finishing on M Street, and utilizing M, 18th, N, behind the Old Courthouse, and 21st Streets. There are several 90 degree turns and a chicane behind the old Courthouse. The Criterium has used the same course since 1987. (Though the event was not held in 2017 and 2018 or 2020). Velo Promo provides all needed barricades including Type 3) and signage (including detour signs) for the event
Type of Event: The race is a "criterium" , that is, a series of multi-lap races of varying lengths for various categories on a short closed loop. Riders sprint for prizes (Primes) on designated laps during the event, and for prizes at the finish. The total program will be seven hours in length.
Entrants: Riders will be licensed amateurs from USA Cycling and Professionals from the U.S. Professional Racing Organization. In the past, competitors have included members of the U.S. National Team and Olympic Team, foreign riders and U.S. National Champions. Seven separate categories of riders will have their own events, and some 200 riders can be expected to compete in 2024. There will also be a mentored training program for riders new to racing.
History: The Criterium began in 1987, as a part of the San Joaquin Series, a set of races designed for the U.S. National Team (then at training camp near Fresno) as tune-up events before heading east to the big Spring races each year, and has developed into one of the most popular race weekends in the State, along with the previous day's Snelling Road Race. Many top national riders have come through the Merced Criterium over the years.
Insurance and Medical: Liability Insurance naming the City and County will be provided via the USA Cycling Organization ($1,000,000 per occurrence and $3,000,000 aggregate). The event has a first aid station staffed with EMTs. Riders are covered under medical insurance from the USAC.
Organizers: The race is being planned by Velo Promo, LLC, operating bicycie races as a company since 1979, and as individuals since 1972. Velo Promo has 27 race days on the 2025 Northern California/Nevada race schedule, and has conducted over 1,000 events in the past 33 years. Race Director for 2025 is again Robert Leibold, who has directed the Criterium since 1987.
Contact:
Velo Promo, 19780 Soulsbyville Road, Soulsbyville, CA 95372 (209) 604-1354 [email protected] www.velopromo.com
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