One of the ways that racing is spiced up at a criterium is through primes (pronounced “preems”) – mid-race sprint laps that offer prizes to the lap winner.
As the Exeter Classic is part of Cycle-Smart New England Critweek, the race will offer Critweek series points for certain sprints and cash for others! The Critweek points may seem small but can be critical to winning the series, as last year’s winner Adam Myerson used these sprint points to help cinch the win.
Here’s a bit of a preview for racers and spectators alike so you have a rough idea (we don’t want to give too much away…) of timing and the history of some of the primes.
This year, the crowd prime in the final race of the night (the men’s race), will be a 50/50 prime – with half of the prize money going to the prime winner, and half going to Exeter charity Annie’s Angels.
Women’s Race
- Nate Miller Memorial Prime – $100. The Nate Miller Memorial prime is named in memory of UNH Cycling Alum Nate Miller. Nate graduated from UNH in 2008, and served as UNH Cycling team president.
- David Barrows 9th Lap Prime – $100. In memory of David Barrows, UNH Cycling Alumn, who incorrectly sprinted for the win at the Exeter Classic at the 9th lap (pay attention to the lap cards, folks!)
- Brian Bogart Halfway Prime – $100. Named in memory of UNH Cycling Alum Brian Bogart.
- New England Critweek Points Primes – Series points awarded at the 2/3 and 1/3 mark through the race.
- Site Structures Landscape Prime – $2/pound. Yep. You read that right. This prime is paid out based on how much the rider weighs, recognizing that the strongest cyclist might be the bigger cyclist.
Men’s Race
- David Barrows 9th Lap – $100
- Brian Bogart Halfway Prime – $100
- New England Critweek Points Primes – Series points awarded at the 2/3 and 1/3 mark though the race.
- Site Structures Landscape Prime – $2/pound
- Chad Young Memorial Prime – $100. Named in memory of Newmarket, NH and Exeter Cycles Wednesday Ride alumn Chad Young.
- 50/50 Crowd Prime to Benefit Annie’s Angels – ???. This year, the crowd prime will be split between the prime winner and Exeter charity Annie’s Angels. The crowd prime will be “encouraged” with goodies from Exeter Cycles and NUUN Hydration.