CRCA Grant's Tomb Criterium
The CRCA Grant's Tomb Criterium is one of the largest bike races in the tri-state area. Held in upper Manhattan, the criterium was originally a mainstay of the collegiate racing calendar in March. In recent years, it has moved to June, serving as the New York State championship several times. With tight corners and large spectator crowds, Grant’s Tomb is widely regarded as one of the most exciting races in New York City.
The 2026 edition of Grant’s Tomb is being held on Saturday, June 27.
Excerpted from the To Be Determined Journal’s 2024 Grant’s Tomb Preview (click here for TBD’s full coverage of Grant's Tomb):
Whether you’re new to NYC racing (and, if so, this author admires your greenness) or a grizzled veteran of the scene (we salute your service), this weekend’s criterium is circled on many a cyclist’s calendar given its place as a marquee event in the local area. With that stature further elevated by its selection as this year’s New York State Criterium Championship race, and with some intriguing prizes sponsorships on the line (I’m looking at you, Zipp), this weekend promises to bring fast and competitive fields to Morningside Heights.
Grant's Tomb Criterium Technical Guide
The Race Insiders Guide from To Be Determined features a variety of details on the Grant's Tomb Course and is available here.
IMPORTANT: DUE TO UPDATED NYC RESTRICTIONS, NO TEAM TENTS WILL BE ALLOWED AT THE GRANT’S TOMB CRITERIUM
IMPORTANT RACE NOTES
All race participants and spectators must be be respectful of visitors to Grant’s Tomb National Memorial, Riverside Church, Riverside Park, and Sakura Park throughout the day. Without the support of these organizations we cannot host the race. Do not interfere with the activities of users of these facilities and be respectful of, and cooperate fully with, any directions from law enforcement officers and race staff. If the grass around the finish line area is wet, please stay off the grass at all times.
Cyclists are NOT ALLOWED to use the restrooms or otherwise enter Riverside Church and Grant's Tomb National Memorial. Portable toilets will be available on site for all racers. Please utilize garbage bags and garbage cans, or take your garbage with you. Do not litter.
No day-of registration for the race. All registration must be completed in advance on Bikereg. If you have questions about registration please contact bikereg@crca.net.
Results will be published shortly following the conclusion of each race and riders will have a 15 minute protest period. After the protest period, results are final.
Neutral support will be provided by SRAM. Officials will provide information on free laps prior to the start. Familiarize yourself with USAC rule 3D4 regarding free laps.
Due to the course distance, it is possible that a break could lap the field. Please be aware of the lead moto if a break laps the field and familiarize yourself with corresponding USAC rules 3D3 and 3D4.
Officials will give instructions regarding pulled riders during staging. Given the distance of the course, riders are likely to get pulled, so please listen and look out for instructions.
Officials will time the opening laps of each field and provide a lap count based on those times. The lap counter is located at the finish line.
Registration and other locations
The 2022 edition features a return of the 2019 course design. Please see the finish line area site map below. Results will be posted on the finish line trailer - make sure to use the designated course crossing while crossing the finish line. Staging remains at the intersection of West 122nd Street and Riverside Drive Northbound (top of the hill, by FSA neutral support).
Course Notes
While riding to/from the race obey all traffic laws. Follow all traffic lights and do not ride on sidewalks. Ticketing may occur for violations. Treat pedestrians with respect. When crossing the course please insure that the roadway is clear.
Staging takes place at W122nd and Riverside Drive. Fields will begin staging at least 5 minutes prior to the scheduled race start. Fields begin almost immediately following the conclusion of the prior race. Listen for announcements and do not miss your race. While waiting for registration/staging please stay off the sidewalk in front of the church.
FSA neutral support will be located on the West side of northbound Riverside Drive at West 122th Street.
The course is available as a Strava Route.
Click through to Strava.com to see the full course details
Race Schedule
For the complete schedule please visit the Bikereg.com event page. Important notes:
Due to time constraints racers for will be staged prior to the finish of the previous field. Be familiar with the course map for staging location, listen for announcements and know the race schedule.
Sign-in/Number pick-up closes 10 minutes to field start. If you have not signed-in and picked up your number, your spot will be given to a waitlist rider. The waitlist will be cleared in order of registration. If you do not get cleared from the waitlist you will be refunded in cash (must be in attendance to receive refund).
We are offering a combined Men's and Women's Criterium race clinic. The goal is to provide helpful skills and tips racing criteriums, including riding in a pack, drafting, cornering, attacking, and sprinting. The schedule is set up to allow all M5 and W4 racers attend the clinic then apply what they have learned during their race shortly afterwards.
Podium Schedule
Due to riders participating in multiple races the podium time vary based on the field. Planned podium times are as follows:
9:30 - Men 5 podium
10:15 - Women 4/5 podium
10:30 - Women 3/4/5 podium
11:05 - Men 4/5 podium
11:30 - Men 4 podium
12:15 - Masters podium
1:15 - Juniors podium (A+B)
2:15 - Men 3/4 podium
4:00 - Men 2/3 podium
5:00 - Elite women podium
5:55 - Elite men podium (as soon as the 15 minute protest period finishes post race)