Alabama's Premier Competitive Cycling Weekend

The Sunny King Criterium & Choccolocco Road Race brings elite-level competition to Anniston with back-to-back days of intense racing. Saturday features the Alabama State Criterium Championships and serves as the official kickoff to the USA CRITS national circuit, drawing Pro 1/2 Men's and Women's fields for high-speed criterium action. Sunday pivots to road racing at Choccolocco, hosting the complete amateur slate and the final stage of the Southeast Collegiate Conference Championships - making this the marquee event for competitive cycling in the region.

What to Expect

Multiple Race Categories - Alabama State Championships, Master and Amateur divisions, and collegiate conference battles across both days
Pro-Level Racing - USA CRITS sanctioned Pro 1/2 fields competing for ranking points on Saturday
Sprint-Heavy Competition - Criterium racing demands tactical positioning and explosive finishing power
Scenic Road Course - Choccolocco's road race offers varied terrain for Sunday's distance racing
Collegiate Showcase - Top Southeast conference teams competing for conference championship honors
Spectator-Friendly Format - Compact criterium circuits on Saturday allow multiple viewing angles and consistent action

Event Highlights

State Championship Podiums - Official Alabama champions crowned in criterium and road race disciplines
USA CRITS Ranking Points - Pro field competes for national circuit standings
Collegiate Conference Finals - Championship stage racing for top regional collegiate programs
Master & Amateur Opportunities - Multiple entry points for competitive cyclists at all levels

Check Out a Complete Sunny King Criterium

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between Saturday's criterium and Sunday's road race?

Saturday features the Alabama State Criterium Championships on a closed circuit course - fast, tactical racing with multiple laps around the same loop. Sunday shifts to the Choccolocco Road Race, a traditional point-to-point or road course format that tests endurance and strategy over longer distances. Both days offer championship-level competition across different race formats.

Can amateur cyclists compete, or is this event only for professionals?

This event welcomes competitive cyclists at all levels. Saturday's criterium features Pro 1/2 fields, but there are Master and Amateur category races throughout the weekend. Sunday's Choccolocco Road Race hosts a full slate of amateur categories, making it accessible for riders building their competitive resume.

Is this event part of a larger racing circuit?

Yes - Saturday's Pro 1/2 criterium serves as the official kickoff to the USA CRITS national calendar, attracting elite talent competing for early-season ranking points. The event also hosts the Southeast Collegiate Conference Cycling Championships across both days, making it a marquee regional competition.

Can I spectate if I'm not racing?

Absolutely - this is a spectator-friendly event with exciting racing on both days. The criterium format on Saturday is ideal for spectators since the action laps the same circuit repeatedly, giving you multiple chances to see the leaders battle for position. Check the event website for parking, viewing areas, and any spectator guidelines.

What race categories are offered across the two days?

The event features Alabama State Championships, Master category races, Amateur divisions, and collegiate conference competitions. Saturday emphasizes Pro 1/2 racing alongside the amateur and master categories, while Sunday's road race hosts the complete amateur slate plus the final stage of the Southeastern Collegiate Conference Championships. Check the event website for the full category list and specific race times.

What should I know about the Anniston, Alabama location?

Anniston is in central Alabama and provides an ideal host location for regional championship racing. The venue accommodates both criterium and road race formats with courses that test technical handling and tactical racing ability. Arrive early on both days to scout the courses and locate parking - criterium courses especially benefit from walking the circuit before your race.

How do I register and what are the entry requirements?

You'll need to be a licensed competitive cyclist through USA Cycling to compete in either day's races. Check the event website for registration details, entry fees, and the complete field size limits by category - championship events often fill quickly, especially the Pro and collegiate divisions.

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