Welcome to the surprising city of Athens, in Georgiawhere history and culture meet unexpectedly. Known worldwide for its emblematic groups like REM and The B-52S, what little know is that this small town in the south of the United States has become a real cycling epicenter, thanks to the famous Athens Twilight Criterium, a race that blows its 47th candle this year.
An event at the heart of the community
Athens Twilight Criterium is not just a simple bicycle race; it is a real party that animates the whole city. While the 40,000 students from the University of Georgia take off for the summer, the city center comes alive with lovers of cycling and revelers from all southeast for this unique event. Since its creation, this race has attracted an enthusiastic crowd each year for a day and a night of intense competition.
A historical feat
It was during the April 26 edition that the event marked the spirits with The exceptional performance of Alexis Magner. This Californian cyclist installed in Athens achieved a feat by becoming the first woman to win three consecutive pro races. Standing out of the peloton ten laps from the end, she made the crowd vibrate, transforming the city into a real cycling temple.
Men in race
On the other side of the competition, Clever Martinez was talked about with a first victory among the pros, alongside Will Hardin. This tandem has shown an aggressive strategy that allowed them to take a ride in advance on the peloton. They thus join the prestigious list of the former winners, coaching names such as Eric Heiden and Chris Horner.
The energy of an open -air stadium
Those who have had the chance to attend the Athens Twilight will tell you that the atmosphere is comparable to that of a stadium. The cheers and noise of the crowd literally carry cyclists, transforming the streets lined with mythical places like the Georgia theater into a real sporting arena.
The future of the criterium
Now at the anchor of the USA Critsthe event is an essential step among the nine races punctuating the American territory. It is also a crucial point of speed week, a challenge of eight criteria in eleven days across the south of the United States. Proof that, even after 47 years, the Athens Twilight Criterium continues to seduce and bring together around the values of sport and conviviality.
By Gilles
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