History of Twilight
Founded in 1980 by Gene Dixon, the Athens Twilight Criterium was the first nighttime race in the United States in over 60 years. What began as one race with 40 competitors has since grown to offer eight separate race classes and 150 cyclists competing in the main event, the men's criterium, an 80K race around downtown Athens.
Heralded by VeloNews as the "Criterium Not To Miss" and voted first by their poll of professional and amateur racers, Twilight is a highlight of the pro cycling season. The Twilight is a part of the USA CRITS Championship Series, USA CRITS Speed Week, and Georgia Championship Series. The Athens event has always stood apart from other criteriums and is popular not just with racers, but with its huge crowd of spectators, consistently drawing over 30,000 spectators and some of cyling's hottest stars to the streets of the Classic City annually.
In October 2010, Dixon announced the formation of the Athens Twilight Foundation. The non-profit foundation was created to execute the annual Twilight Criterium and plan a year-round calendar of fundraising events and support cycling and fitness initiatives. The foundation's goal is to become a resource promoting community development and public health. "The community adopted the Twilight from the start and the creation of the Twilight Foundation ensures the event's future," said Dixon. "The foundation is the best way for the Twilight to remain America's iconic criterium and maintain its legacy for the entire Athens community."
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Previous Winners of the Twilight Criterium
2010 2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004 2003 2002 2001 2000 1999 1998 1997 1996 1995 1994 1993 1992 1991 1990 1989 1988 1987 1986 1985 1984 1983 1982 1981 1980 | Kevin Mullervy Luke Keough Luca Damiani Karl Menzies Heath Blackgrove Rahsaan Bahati Mark Hekman Vassili Davidenko Vassili Davidenko Brice Jones Dan Schmatz Gord Fraser Graeme Miller Gord Fraser Frank McCormack Roberto Gaggioli Todd Littlehales Chris Horner Scott Fortner Thoma Craven Malcolm Elliot Greg Orabetz Rick Strooper Steve Speaks Doug Shapiro Jim Copeland Jeff Pierce Tom Schuler Alan McCormack Davis Phinney Alex Steida Steve Bauer Danny Clark Danny Clark | Erica Allar Erica Allar Theresa Cliff-Ryan Theresa Cliff-Ryan Brooke Miller Rebecca Larson Katharine Carroll Jen McRae Shannon Hutchinson-Krupat Tina Pic Candice Blickem Ina Tutenberg Anna Millward Sarah Ulmer Anna Milward Jen McRae |
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In 2004, Turner South's program "Liars & Legends" featured a presentation of the Athens Twilight Criterium, giving an excellent feel for the world-famous event.
Clips from Clate Sanders' 1981 Athens Twilight Criterium documentary