80 fast-paced laps around the downtown city streets of Athens, Georgia – the 35th Athens Twilight Criterium takes place April 24-25, 2015.

A weekend for the entire family, Athens Twilight Criterium consists of the Red Bull Chariot Races, the Trans Jam BMX contest, live music, amateur bike rides, a Kids Zone, and the Georgia Brewfest.  

It all accumulates to the main event on Saturday night where professional cyclists from around the globe compete in an American style bike race, while 80,000 fans cheer from the sidewalks. Women race first with 40 laps on a closed course around the electric city streets, with the men's 80 lap race proceeding afterwards.

Riders not only compete to be the first racer across the finish line, but also attempt to win "preme" laps, where they can earn additional cash throughout the race. This is the first event in the nine race USA CRITS Championship Series, which travels around the country and carries an overall prize purse of $120,000.  

Arrive Friday night to watch the Red Bull Chariot Races while riders compete for position in Grid Qualifiers and local acts, T. Hardy Morris, Cicada Rhythm, and Oakhouse, play on the downtown stage. These three bands all call Athens home and represent the reputation Athens has built as a hot bed for musical talent.

Saturday, the Twilight experience begins at 8:30am with a 5K and continues throughout the day, leading up to the Women's Pro Criterium (7pm) and Men's Pro Criterium (8:15pm). Times for all events are located here: Twilight Schedule

This year the course of the race has been changed significantly, adding a whole new dimension for the riders. A contingent of European riders from the Euro Speed/Stamina discipline (more geared towards indoor track cycling) will also be joining the Twilight field in a bid to overtake their American counterparts and their continental style of racing.  

It is bound to be a great weekend as Athens Twilight Criterium is one of the most popular bike races in the entire American calendar. You do not want to miss this thrilling experience.   

Video - http://youtu.be/jOeq0kbPnMI