“This year is shaping up to be the most dramatic championship yet as the field of international athletes continues to grow,” said David Trimble, Series Director. “The level of competition in the Crit has never been higher, which means we are in for increasingly exciting and unpredictable races. I can’t wait to see who emerges victorious.” 

From its roots in the neighborhood of Red Hook in Brooklyn, New York the race has flourished and expanded over the years – first to Milan, which has become the host city of the championship finale and then to Barcelona, now enjoying its fourth year on the roster. London makes its return this year after its debut in 2015. 

The Red Hook Criterium series is unique in that it requires athletes to race multiple laps around a 1km (approx.) technical circuit on brakeless, fixed gear track bikes. Taking cues from international motorsport, athletes begin by competing in timed qualification rounds to establish grid positions for the main event. The finals, traditionally raced at night, are held in front of thousands of spectators at each destination. 

Athletes accumulate points for finishing each race, travelling from one city to the next, vying for a position on the championship podium. With the continued, four-race schedule, riders will need to perform consistently if they are to contend for the series trophy with each race bringing its own dynamic throughout the season. 2015 Men’s Series Champion Ivan Ravaioli (Team Cinelli Chrome, Italy) and Women’s Series Champion Ainara Elbusto (Conor WRC, Spain) will both return in 2016 to defend their titles but ambitious newcomers, including pro rider Daniel Holloway (Intelligentsia GR, USA) and his team will be looking to make an impact throughout the series. 

The Red Hook Criterium Race Series has grown year on year since its inception in 2008, bringing global media attention, big crowds and increased interest from series sponsors. In 2016, The Red Hook Criterium, having already established firm roots in the cycling community, is ready to move forward again as one of the most compelling, competitive, spectator friendly sporting events in the world. 

2016 Schedule:

 April 30: Red Hook Criterium Brooklyn, NY, USA; 

July 9: Red Hook Criterium London, UK; 

August 27: Red Hook Criterium Barcelona, Spain; 

October 1: Red Hook Criterium Milan, Italy. 

2016 welcomes new major sponsors to the championship series including Specialised – who have generously offered to provide the season’s prize bikes. 

A strong list of supporting series sponsors in 2016 include Specialised, Giro, Castelli, Intelligentsia, Levi’s Commuter, Fast Forward Wheels, and Tacx .

UK partners Knight Dragon and Face Partnerships return to the RHC London after the inaugural race in 2015. 

For more information on the series please visit www.redhookcrit.com.