Natural State Criterium Series Will Not Return in 2026

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Natural State Criterium Series Will Not Return in 2026

Springdale, Ark. – The Downtown Springdale Alliance (DSA) announces that the Natural State Criterium Series will not be held in 2026.

Since its launch in 2021, the mid-week professional and amateur cycling event has grown into a signature summer experience in downtown Springdale. Over five years, the series attracted athletes and spectators from across the region while supporting local businesses, driving tourism, and creating a vibrant sense of community in the downtown core.

After careful consideration, the decision was made based on financial factors and the rising costs required to continue producing a safe, high-quality downtown sporting event at the level the community has come to expect.

“We are honored to have hosted the Natural State Criterium Series in Springdale and to have seen it grow into one of the largest mid-week criterium races in the region,” said Paxton Roberts, Executive Director of the Downtown Springdale Alliance. “This event has showcased our downtown, our local businesses, and our community in a very positive way.”

Event production for the series was managed by All Sports Productions throughout its run.

“We were very proud to be asked to bring this unique form of bicycle racing to the downtown streets of Springdale starting in 2021,” said Bruce Dunn with All Sports Productions. “This event from the very beginning was more than just a bike race, it was a true festival which happened to be a bike race, and over the past five years grew into one of the largest mid-week criteriums in the region. We are grateful to the DSA and the entire bike racing community for the opportunity to have been part of something so special.”

While the series will not move forward in 2026, the Downtown Springdale Alliance extends sincere appreciation to the sponsors, volunteers, City of Springdale partners, local businesses, and members of the cycling community whose support contributed to five successful seasons.

For more information, contact:
Downtown Springdale Alliance
Paxton Roberts, Executive Director – Paxton@downtownspringdale.org