Walterboro Criterium 2022 is coming in April

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By VICKI BROWN

Plans are underway to welcome Olympians and professional cycling champions to Walterboro for the 19th annual Walterboro Criterium on April 27,2022.

Walterboro Tourism Director Madison Terry was granted $20,000 from Walterboro City Council to use Accommodations Tax Funding for the event.

The Criterium is made up of four-person teams, competing in multi-lap races in a half a mile long circular track. Racers must demonstrate bike handling skills while traveling at 30 plus mph. Because of the circular track, criteriums are similar to NASCAR and careful biking skills are needed for the sport.

The Walterboro Criterium Committee is made up of a group of local volunteers that represent several of the local organizations, local businesses, and interested citizens.

“We shortened the track at the request of the event organizers, which made the event more exciting and fast paced. The start/finish line was also moved to Hampton Street and the VIP section has been expanded to include live music,” said Terry, in a written statement.

Due to the ongoing pandemic last year, the Walterboro Criterium, as part of the 2021 USC CRITS Cycling Series, brought only 145 amateur, pro and master riders to Colleton County. Approximately 45 hotel room nights were utilized by the riders, event staff and visitors.

However, in years past, the Criterium VIP section has been known to serve more than 300 guests, and 55 children from ages 3-10 who participated in the children’s race.