To Somerset County residents, the Tour of Somerville — which will hit the streets for the 81st time this Memorial Day — is a beloved local tradition, one that brings out lawn chairs for a day of cycling races, family activities and community fun.
To the rest of the world, it’s more than the unofficial start of summer in Central Jersey.
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Dubbed “The Kentucky Derby of Bicycle Racing,” the Tour of Somerville is America’s oldest cycling race — and one of the best road cycling events in the country, according to USA Today 10Best.
USA Today 10Best recently asked readers to vote on the best race, and the Tour of Somerville finished No. 10.
‘It’s coming back’ 80th Tour of Somerville draws biggest crowd in recent years
“This iconic criterium-style event features high-speed laps on a closed downtown course, attracting elite cyclists and enthusiastic crowds,” USA Today 10Best wrote. “With a festive atmosphere, live entertainment and a storied history dating back to 1940, it’s a cherished Memorial Day weekend tradition.”
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The race returns Monday, May 25, bringing with it a full day of events, including an 8 a.m. family fun run, an 8:30 a.m. Memorial Day parade, and several races throughout the day.
The schedule culminates with the 3 p.m. Mildred Kugler Women’s Pro Race and the 4:40 p.m. Kugler-Anderson Memorial Men’s Pro Race, the marquee events of the day.
Staff reporter Jenna Intersimone: JIntersimone@MyCentralJersey.com
This article originally appeared on MyCentralJersey.com: Tour of Somerville named a top U.S. cycling race by USA Today