Welcome to Beer & Gear, a series where we get to know individuals making big moves in Portland’s Athletic and Outdoor industries. In this edition, author Ellee Thalheimer meets with Steven Beardsley, Race Director of Portland Criterium.
“I’m drawn to criterium racing because it’s so much more than just a bike race,” says Steven Beardsley, longtime bike racer, race organizer, and the Race Director of Portland Criterium. “Crits are the only type of bike racing that passersby can just stumble upon and enjoy.”
In a criterium, or a “crit,” cyclists race a short, closed-loop course, usually in the heart of a city or downtown area, pushing themselves to get as many laps as possible in a technical, high-speed competition. The 2026 Portland Criterium, taking place August 15-16, will include a tight, thrilling course around the North Park Blocks in the Pearl District on the first day and a loop around the Lloyd Center on the second day.
Image courtesy of Portland Criterium, credit: Devin Feilen.
“The Portland Crit is extremely onlooker-friendly,” says Beardsley. “There’s a beer garden, food trucks, and a Pedalpalooza ride that ends at the course–you’ll see penny farthings, cargo bikes with speakers, and all sizes of kid bikes as they take a turn on the route in between the two races. Plus, we have the Portland Street Mile, a mile-long running race. Last year someone ran it dressed like a banana, while another person nearly ran a four-minute mile. Our Criterium activates an urban space like nothing else.”
Portland had been on a 10-year Criterium hiatus when the mayor’s office decided to rekindle the raucous days of the defunct Twilight and Franz Criteriums by creating the Portland Criterium in 2022.They wanted to invigorate the cycle-centric, community-centered, creative spirit of Portland. Since the Portland Criterium’s inception, it has steadily grown in popularity. This year it expects to welcome between 2,000 and 3,000 spectators daily. Each day, 150-200 cyclists will race in waves, separated into categories for Pros, Juniors, Masters, and everything in between. The race dangles $13,000 in cash prizes, and swag from event sponsors like Steeplejack Brewing, Water Avenue Coffee, and Shimono stoke the competition.
Image courtesy of Portland Criterium, credit: Devin Feilen.
In 2026, the Portland Criterium received Prosper Portland’s Scale Up Grant, a competitive economic development grant aimed at elevating local events they identify as having both potential to be real tourism drivers and embodying the spirit of Portland. The funding, marketing, and technical assistance from the grant can move the needle for an event. Supporting the Portland Criterium is an investment in the vitality of downtown and Portland as a keystone cycling destination.
Image courtesy of Portland Criterium, credit: Devin Feilen.
“My hope is that the Portland Crit becomes a major event on the city’s calendar and that large numbers of riders across North America will travel here and be a part of it,” says Beardsley. “The Portland Crit is a relatively new event, in terms of other established races in the country, but it will thrive because we have an amazing cycling city. And Portland has lots to offer beyond that. It’s a great place to spend the weekend riding bikes.”
Steeplejack Brewing
Steeplejack Brewing, which has locations throughout Portland as well as Manzanita, is the presenting sponsor for the Portland Criterium. Owner Dustin Harder is an enthusiastic cyclist and was excited to partner for the event. During our visit, Beardsley was a fan of their Mexican Lager, whereas I was partial to their classically hoppy West Coast IPA.
Ellee Thalheimer is a Portland-based freelance writer and guidebook author. When she can’t get to the trails, she’s writing fiction, relishing local IPAs, falling off bouldering walls, and obsessively scheming the next adventure. Find her on Instagram: @ellee_thalheimer.
