Cyclists will race for a provincial title on the streets of downtown Dauphin this Sunday. The Manitoba Provincial Criterium Championship, part of the Tour de Riding Mountain weekend, takes place May 31 from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. near 2nd Avenue Northwest and 1st Street Northwest. Spectators can watch for free as riders complete multiple laps on a roughly one-kilometre circuit.
The event is organized by the 3P Cycling Club, a volunteer group made up of parents of athletes from Manitoba’s provincial cycling program. The club is sanctioning the race through the Manitoba Cycling Association as the third and final stage of a three-race weekend. Earlier stages included a road race on May 30 and a time trial on the morning of May 31 within Riding Mountain National Park.
The course runs counterclockwise using 2nd Avenue NW, 2nd Street NW, 1st Avenue NW, and Main Street. Only cyclists holding a UCI or Manitoba provincial racing license can take part, as single-event permits are not permitted for the criterium. Online registration closed May 27, but same-day sign-up is available at higher cash-only rates. Racers and spectators should park at the Dauphin Residential Recycling Depot lot or the Rotary Arena Ice Skating Rink, as parking on the course is not allowed.
Provincial championship medals go only to Manitoba residents who finish in the top three of their category. Out-of-province riders who place in those spots will be recognized but will not receive a medal. Following the race, the overall winners from the Tour de Riding Mountain will be announced at a podium ceremony.
