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Tour Of Somerville On Track For Memorial Day

Arts and Entertainment

March 11, 2023


The 78th running of the Kugler-Anderson Memorial Tour of Somerville will occur on Memorial Day, Monday, May 29, 2023, in Downtown Somerville, New Jersey .The Tour is America’s longest-running competitive cycling event, having been contested yearly since 1940, except for World War II and the Covid-19 Pandemic. 

The event will feature a Family Fun Ride and USA Cycling-sanctioned races for all age groups before hosting the two premiere races: The 25-mile Mildred Kugler Women's Pro Race and the 50-mile Kugler-Anderson Memorial Men’s Pro Race. 

The organization committee has retained event production company Long Tail Creative of Allentown, PA, as the event organizer. Long Tail’s principals are Gabe and Kacey Lloyd—former competitive cyclists who competed nationally and internationally. After shifting focus from competition in 2014, their production quality standards and work ethic were directed toward creating events that enrich entire communities. 

This is Long Tail’s second year of engagement for the Tour, giving them insight into many of the operational needs of the race. Long Tail will be responsible for sponsorship agreements and management, operational logistics, and marketing, including social media, graphics, and race day activities. “We’re excited to be working on this historic bike race,” co-founder and Creative Director Gabe Lloyd says. “We have raced and spectated at Somerville for many years, so to have the opportunity to continue the legacy is a true honor.” 

The Tour of Somerville is hosted by Arts on Division (AOD), a local non-profit. “The Tour requires a significant volunteer effort annually,” commented AOD Board member Bernie Navatto. “The addition of Long Tail last year brought a new dynamic to the event that will continue to allow the Tour of Somerville to grow.” 

Unity Bank will return as the presenting sponsor with a 3-year commitment to carry their support through the 80th edition in 2025. 

Further support is planned from Clinton Honda, Range Rover Princeton, Somerset Patriots, Somerset County, the Downtown Somerville Alliance, and the Borough of Somerville. In addition to these named sponsors, the Tour is supported by the businesses, residents, and alumni of the race. 

Thousands of spectators annually line the four-turn course, with the start/finish line at the corner of Main and Union streets for what Sports Illustrated once called “the best spectator bargain in sports.” Spectators can see national and international athletes while enjoying meals and drinks from Main Street's many restaurants and bars. Admission is free. The schedule of events will be published soon.