For immediate release: July 6, 2010
Portsmouth, New Hampshire

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            Contact: Susanne Delaney, 603.817.2736, info@portsmouthcrit.com

Smuttynose Brewing Co. Returns as Title Sponsor for Portsmouth Criterium!

The 6th Annual Smuttynose Brewing Co. Portsmouth Criterium will return to the streets of historic downtown Portsmouth on Sunday, September 19th. Thanks to six years of strong support from Peter Egelston (Smuttynose Brewing Co.) and Joanne Francis (Portsmouth Brewery), this event has become one of the premiere bicycle races in the country!

The Portsmouth Criterium aims to provide a fun event for the community and participants while promoting a healthy lifestyle through bicycle racing and associated event activities.
Criterium racing returned to downtown Portsmouth in 2005 to continue a tradition that started in 1978.  It began as a grassroots effort to bring a premier cycling event to the downtown area that would provide an enjoyable family-oriented event for the community; attract more participants to the sport; and bring business for the downtown merchants, restaurants and cafes by attracting people to downtown Portsmouth.  Enthusiasm and support for the race quickly grew after the first year. The electric atmosphere and fast-paced, high-stakes drama was a big hit with spectators and participants alike. Today more than 7,000 spectators flock to the streets of downtown Portsmouth to enjoy what has become one of Seacoast's major annual events.
Featured events include: Children’s bicycle races for ages 4-12 which kick off the races at 11am; followed by the Men’s Category 4 amateur race at 12pm; the Men’s Category 3 amateur race at 1pm; a Community Challenge event at 2pm where local residents hit the race course in teams of 4; the Women’s Pro/1/2/3 at 2:45 pm; and the grand finale, the Men’s Pro/1/2 race at 3:45 pm.
Other events include a Homestyle Pancake Breakfast on Market Street from 9:30 – 11:00 am, put on by the Portsmouth Brewery, and the Lifestyle Expo which runs from 11am – 5pm. There is also VIP seating at the start/finish line for our sponsors!
Other top level sponsors include Portsmouth Regional Hospital; Papa Wheelies Bicycle Shop; Harbour Light Strategic Marketing; La Festa Brick and Brew Pizzeria; and The Wire.
For more details please visit the Portsmouth Criterium website at www.portsmouthcrit.com or call Race Director, Susanne Delaney at 603.817.2736.

Bring the family and enjoy a great afternoon of cycling and fun in Market Square!