Held in Charlotte's Center City, an international field of the world's top men and women's professional cyclists will take to the streets of uptown Charlotte and will compete for over $40,000 in prize money in the Charlotte Criterium presented by Novant Health (formerly known as the Presbyterian Hospital Invitational). Returning for its 13th year, the races take place on a mile long spectator friendly course starting at the intersection of Trade and Tryon Streets, where spectators are up close to the racing action. Over 375,000 people have lined Charlotte's streets since its first year to cheer on these elite riders, as cyclists take the sharp corners of the downtown streets shoulder to shoulder at high rates of speeds, competing for the country's largest single day prize purse in bicycle criterium racing. Over the course of the race's 12 year history, winners have come from 8 different countries and over $1 million in cash prizes have been awarded.

Our 2016 edition will be part of USA Cycling's Pro Road Tour Calendar, USA CRITS National Series and the Speed Week Regional Series. This combined with live Webcasting with Tour de France's Color Commentator Frankie Andreu ensures an exciting, well attended and world viewed event.

The Charlotte Criterium presented by Novant Health is held to raise money and awareness for the Brain Tumor Fund for the Carolinas (BTFC). The BTFC is dedicated to supporting Charlotte area brain cancer patients by assisting them in their navigation of the healthcare system and encouraging vital research that advances effective and collaborative solutions for cancer treatment. Over the past 12 years, the Charlotte Criterium has raised approximately $5 million for the BTFC.

"A pro cycling race through the streets of uptown Charlotte each April brings out curious onlookers as well as those heavily immersed in the cycling culture. The speeds are breathtaking."

"16 Sweet Reasons Why Charlotte’s A Great Sports Town," Charlotte Observer, September 9, 2014

"The Brain Tumor Fund for the Carolinas is proud to bring the Charlotte Criterium back to Charlotte for the 13th year. We are proud of the event and the awareness it has raised for brain tumors and the work that the BTFC is doing in the community. Proceeds from this event help to fund the only local brain tumor patient navigator as well as regional research around brain cancer. We are grateful for the continued support of so many corporate partners, most of whom have been with us since the first year."

Traci DeFelice, Executive Secretary, Brain Tumor Fund for the Carolinas

"Support from the sponsors, city, volunteers, teams, athletes and the thousands of spectators have made this a special event. The fact that it benefits the BTFC makes it even more special."

Thad Fischer, Race Director, The Charlotte Criterium