The ATL Airport District Convention & Visitors Bureau, has announced the return of the sixth annual cycling race series, Spin the District.
The series is the second-largest cycling event in Georgia and attracts cyclists of all levels from around the world. Last year, 37 states and 17 countries were represented.
The family-friendly event promises to be bigger than ever this year, providing an immersive experience for both cyclists and spectators. Tuesday, April 30 marks the official start of Spin the District with a twilight criterium (crit) and disco party in Union City. The series will continue Friday, May 3 with the Hapeville Crit, followed by the College Park Crit on Sunday, May 5, which is also the USA Crits Speed Week Finals.
“We are thrilled to celebrate another year of Spin the District with friends, family and spectators as we cheer on the elite cyclists whipping by and enjoy lively festivities throughout the week,” said Cookie Smoak, president of the ATL Airport District. “Every year, Spin the District delivers an action-packed, family-friendly line-up of events and we are excited to welcome riders along with their cheering squads back to our incredible cities!”
For this year’s series, the District has teamed up with Outback Bikes, a cycling retail shop located in Hapeville, to give away a Batch Fitness 21 Gear City Hybrid bike valued at $520. To enter, simply attend one of the criteriums taking place during Spin the District. Once on-site, scan the QR code on display at the merch tent, food trucks, and beverage vendors and fill out the entry form. The winner will be randomly selected and announced on the ATL Airport District’s Instagram and Facebook channels, @ATLDistrict, on May 7.
Spectator attendance is free for all three criteriums. For more information on how to be a part of this experience as a participant, volunteer or artist, visit SpinTheDistrict.com
Union City Crit: Tuesday, April 30
Kicking off at 4 p.m., Spin the District launches during USA Crits Speed Week at the Union City Crit – the twilight criterium featuring a fast-paced course with a crazy tight corner. Races will take place under the streetlights alongside a family-friendly disco-themed street festival with music, food trucks, beverages and activities for all ages. Cyclist registration and details can be accessed online.
Hapeville Crit: Friday, May 3
The Hapeville Crit will be an evening race with accompanying street party starting at 4 p.m. Guests can enjoy food trucks, beer, wine and cocktail vendors, a live old-school DJ and other festivities until 10 p.m. The evening will include racing for all ages and levels including the One-Lap Blast for children on two wheels and the Straightaway Sprint for children on trikes, training wheels and balance bikes. The kids’ race will begin at 5:50 p.m. and will be followed by the pro men’s and women’s races, which feature some of the best cyclists in the world taking on the fastest cycling adventure for participants with a 1.4-kilometer route, seven-corner, pancake-flat course through the heart of the city and a 150-meter straight finish. Rider registration and details are available online.
College Park Crit: Sunday, May 5
USA Crits Speed Week Finals will take place at the College Park Crit, featuring a five-corner course with tight turns, a screaming fast back straight and an uphill finish. The competition will include some of the world’s fastest cyclists racing for the crown through the historic streets of downtown College Park, as well as two kid races, the Hill Sprint and the Straightaway Sprint. The Cinco de Mayo Block Party begins at noon where spectators can indulge in local food trucks alongside an artist market, family-friendly games, music and more. Cyclist registration and details can be accessed online.