R.J. Laffins Memorial Tuesday Night Criterium Series 2024

Volunteer Sign up

Our volunteers are an essential part in our weekly crit races. If you have a free Tuesday evening, we would love your help!  VOLUNTEERS:  We need 6 course marshals and registration help every Tuesday.  Are you coming to watch the race?   Want to help? 
Current Airport Criterium Standings

CHICO AIRPORT CRITERIUM INFO


Chico Cycling Team is proud to announce year ten of the official, fully permitted RJ Laffins Memorial Tuesday Night Criterium Series! The series of ‘training races’ will start on Tuesday, May 14 and run every Tuesday through (including) August 27. These events are FREE and open to anyone who wants to race, learn to race and/or just improve their fitness and have fun. Our permit from the City of Chico authorizes road closure to cars but, you should be aware that cars will be allowed to enter and exit as necessary, so use good judgment and ride safely!!!

Where: the old ‘short course” – Start/finish on Convair; .6mile 4-corner course: Convair-Marauder-Fairchild-Fortress-Convair.
244-238 Convair Ave., Chico, CA 95973
When: Every Tuesday from May 14 through August 27
Registration: Opens at 5:45PM 
Races: Start at 6:15

Categories and Schedule: 1,2,3’s, A’s, B’s, Women, and Masters 50+ will start at 6:15pm for approximately 45 minutes. All categories will race together but will be picked separately. Kids will race after the first races are completed, at around 7pm, for approximately 10-15 minutes (1-3 laps).

Race Numbers: You must wear a number to race, and you’ll be issued your number at your 1st race (free). You’ll be responsible to bring/use this number for EVERY race. If you lose your number then it will cost you $5 to replace it. Numbers are to be pinned on your left side. Pins will be provided. In the event the race director changes course direction, racing counter-clockwise, race numbers must be on the right side.

Race Details*: 
On the first week of the event, racing will start following a clinic put on by Performance Cycling providing an introduction to Criterium Racing skills (about 10-20 minutes). Points will not be awarded for placement for the first week - each participant may receive equal points, to be determined by Race Director.

We will try and gradually increase racing times as the season progresses.*
      1,2,3’s & A’s – 40 min to 60 min
      B’s, Masters, Women – 30 min to 50 min

*All times (length of race) are approximate and dependent on circumstances, at the Official’s judgment!

Races will proceed with weather and air quality permitting. If race time temperature is to exceed 101°F and/or AQI exceeds 100, the race director has the authority to cancel the race. All efforts will be made to notify racers via email or social media by 3:00PM PST as to the status of the day's race. It is our goal to provide a safe environment for all racers, volunteers and spectators. In the event of a race cancellation, the week will not be made up at the end due to permit.

Points for the Criterium Series: At each race, points will be awarded for each category as follows:
1st - 25 pts , 2nd - 20, 3rd -16, 4th -14,  5th - 12, 6th - 10, 7th - 9, 8th - 8, 9th - 7, 10th - 6, 11th - 5, 12th - 4, 13th - 3, 14th -  2, 15th - 1. 
Additionally, ‘Primes’ are worth 3 points each.
Racers who volunteer to work at the crit you will receive 5 points. 
Racers who are vying for one of the top three spots in series end are required to volunteer two times throughout the season. Volunteer points cannot be earned on the same night as participating in a race. Points will not be awarded for youth race mentoring - this is a chance to inspire and guide up and coming racers.

Remember, the key to ‘placing’ well in a series like this is CONSISTENCY! Show up often and you may be surprised at how well you’ll do!

Prizes:  We hope to have continued support of our great local shops, Performance Bicycle, Campus Bicycles, Greenline Cycles, and NorthRim Adventure Sports. These generous folks have donated prizes for 1 – 3 place overall series winners in the past. Remember to support your local bike shops!!!​ 

VOLUNTEERS:  This race series won’t work without volunteers.  We need seven volunteers every Tuesday. Corner volunteers must be age 18 or older. Youth may volunteer for race setup and tear-down only.

WAIVER:  All participants and volunteers must have a signed waiver on-file. These are available at the registration table. After waiver is submitted, participants and volunteers must sign-in each week to acknowledge the release of liability waiver.
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Thank you in advance. Link to volunteer page: https://airportcrit.ivolunteer.com/2024
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SPECIAL THANKS:  
Our prize sponsors - Performance Cycling, North Rim Adventure Sports, Greenline Cycles, Campus Bicycles and Jakroo for the winners jerseys.

Chico Corsa Cycling Club for the amazing BBQ.

Shout out to all of the Chico Cycling Team sponsors - Performance Bicycle, Laffins Team, Meriam Park, Mikalucci Consulting, The Handlebar, Dragon Graphics, Optimus Prime Care and  Modern Building.  

Race Photos courtesy of Steve Twist, Avalon Photo