History of Bicycle Racing:

It All Began...

Bicycle racing as we know it began in the 1890's.   Criterium racing began in Europe and most likely Belgium.   Bike racing was an endurance sport for the most part, so these short races were regarded, (and still are), as exhibitions - a way to see the local heroes display their skills and for sponsors to receive maximum exposure.   In the U.S. it is unclear exactly where the first race was held, but many believe it was in the 1930's, perhaps in Chicago, home to one of the oldest cycling clubs in America.  

The San Luis Obispo Criterium,
a History of Success...

Over the past few decades, downtown San Luis Obispo has been the home to a set of exciting category cycling races, known collectively as the "San Luis Obispo Criterium."   The Criterium has been a source of great pride for the community in the past.   It brought notoriety and prestige with riders such as the US Postal Team's Lance Armstrong and his teammates.    At its apex, downtown streets were filled with thousands of event-goers, all present to witness the excitement and drama of professional cycling at its best.

SLO native Carlos Soto, surrounded by enraptured spectators, crosses the line in First Place at San Luis Obispo's 1988 Downtown Criterium.

Over the years, the Criterium became a unique opportunity for the community's residents, businesses and athletes to interact.   Local business support has as the backbone of the Criterium, contributing in a variety of ways, from sponsorship to volunteers. Interaction with the community and its businesses is what makes this race unique and successful for all involved.    Moreover, the cycling community has benefited greatly from the opportunity to promote its vision and goals to those unfamiliar with the sport.   For many years, the San Luis Obispo Criterium was held downtown.    Known for its thrilling sections through the Mission Plaza and Higuera Street, it has been said that the SLO Downtown Criterium was one of the best in the United States.   The opportunity for exposure was immense, as local media and the San Luis Obispo Chamber of Commerce sponsored and endorsed the event.