Tour of Somerville

Tour of Somerville Tour of Somerville pb Unity Bank is the oldest bicycle race in North America. To bypass this legislation, Kugler then decided to name the race a "tour."

Top national, international, Olympic and professional cyclists compete in this prestigious race. When professional bike racer and bike shop owner, Fred Kugler, now universally known as "Pop," decided to promote a bike race in his hometown of Somerville, he encountered one problem. New Jersey state law prohibited racing on highways for prizes, and Somerville's Main Street is State Highway 28. Hence

the classic, 50-mile Tour of Somerville was born in May of 1940. Kugler's son, Furman, a past junior champion and one of the country's most promising cyclists, won the inaugural Tour of Somerville in 1940 and repeated his victory in 1941. Carl Anderson, a friend of Kugler's won the Tour in 1942. World War II suspended the Tour from 1943-1946, and its Memorial Day date took on a sad irony when Kugler and Anderson were both killed while serving with the Armed Forces overseas. Resumed in 1947, the Senior Men's race of the Tour of Somerville was officially renamed the Kugler-Anderson Memorial, in honor of the two past winners that died for their country. The Tour of Somerville is a community event, free for spectators, that transcends the sport of cycling. It is not only a bike race, but a festival, a carnival, and a giant family reunion all in one. The event honors American heroes as part of this Memorial Day tribute. Even as the Tour has grown, it has maintained its homegrown, hometown image. The day's highlights are both the cycling and the opportunity to show community pride in the town of Somerville. Many organizations work together to make the event a success. Tens of thousands of people from all over the nation converge on the tree-lined streets of Somerville to cheer the cyclists as they speed up to 40 mph past Victorian homes and main street storefronts in the borough’s downtown district.

A heartfelt thank you to Somerset County Business Partnership Somerset County, NJ and Somerset County 250 for their supp...
06/05/2026

A heartfelt thank you to Somerset County Business Partnership Somerset County, NJ and Somerset County 250 for their support of the 81st Edition of the Tour of Somerville.

For 81 editions, the Tour of Somerville has been woven into the fabric of Somerset County. The race showcases our community, brings visitors to downtown Somerville, and celebrates the people and places that make this region special. None of that happens without the support of partners who believe in the value of this event and its impact.

This year, Somerset County 250 also helped welcome our guests, sponsors, and community leaders through its support of the VIP Hospitality Area, creating a space to celebrate both the Tour of Somerville's rich history and the County's ongoing commemoration of America's 250th anniversary.

We are proud to call Somerset County home and grateful for the continued partnership of Somerset County Business Partnership, Somerset County, and Somerset County 250. Thank you for helping us carry this tradition forward and showcase the very best of our community.

Photos: Deborah Shearer

Many thanks to Village Brewing Company for supporting the 81st Edition of the Tour of Somerville! As the sponsor of our ...
06/05/2026

Many thanks to Village Brewing Company for supporting the 81st Edition of the Tour of Somerville!

As the sponsor of our Beer Garden, Village Brewing helped create one of the best viewing areas on the course. Located at Turn 1, it gave fans a front-row seat to the speed and excitement that define race day in Somerville.

From longtime cycling fans to first-time spectators, the Beer Garden was a place to gather, watch the racing, and enjoy the atmosphere that makes the Tour of Somerville special.

Thank you for helping us elevate the race-day experience and for being part of the 81st Edition of the Tour of Somerville.

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A huge thank you to NJM Insurance Group for supporting the 81st Edition of the Tour of Somerville!As one of New Jersey's...
06/05/2026

A huge thank you to NJM Insurance Group for supporting the 81st Edition of the Tour of Somerville!

As one of New Jersey's most iconic sporting events, the Tour of Somerville relies on strong community partners who believe in the value of bringing people together through sport. NJM's support helped us continue a tradition that has been part of Somerville for more than eight decades.

We're grateful for your partnership and your commitment to helping make this year's Tour of Somerville a success for racers, spectators, volunteers, and the entire community.
Thank you for being part of the 81st Edition!

A huge thank you to Vie ƐƖ Kustom Apparel for once again delivering for the 81st Edition of the Tour of Somerville.From ...
06/05/2026

A huge thank you to Vie ƐƖ Kustom Apparel for once again delivering for the 81st Edition of the Tour of Somerville.

From the winner's jerseys and cloth race numbers to the branding seen throughout the course, your work helped bring a professional look and feel to race weekend. The attention to detail and consistency across every touchpoint played a key role in showcasing one of cycling's most historic events.

We appreciate your continued partnership and the work you put in behind the scenes to help make the Tour of Somerville look its best year after year.

A huge thank you to the Somerset Patriots (and Sparkee!) for returning as a sponsor of the 81st Edition of the Tour of S...
06/04/2026

A huge thank you to the Somerset Patriots (and Sparkee!) for returning as a sponsor of the 81st Edition of the Tour of Somerville.

From cheering fans to family fun, Sparkee brought plenty of energy and smiles to race day, helping make the Tour a memorable experience for spectators of all ages.

The Tour of Somerville has always been about more than racing. It's about community. We're grateful for partners like the Somerville Patriots who help keep that tradition going year after year.

Thank you for being part of the 81st Edition!



Thank you to Pops Bike Shop for supporting the 81st Edition of the Tour of Somerville! Few sponsors are more closely con...
06/04/2026

Thank you to Pops Bike Shop for supporting the 81st Edition of the Tour of Somerville! Few sponsors are more closely connected to the history of this race.

This year from the kids' course in the Community Zone to the neutral pit on race day, their impact was felt throughout the event.

We're proud to have Pop's as our Official Bike Shop sponsor and grateful for their continued support of the Tour of Somerville and the cycling community.

Thank you, Pop's!

Photos: Trevor Raab

Thank you to Clinton Honda for returning as a sponsor for our 81st Edition of the Tour of Somerville. From showcasing th...
06/04/2026

Thank you to Clinton Honda for returning as a sponsor for our 81st Edition of the Tour of Somerville.

From showcasing the all-new 2026 Honda Passport in the sponsor expo to putting the 2026 Honda Odyssey to work as our safety sweep at the rear of our peloton, Clinton Honda was a visible part of race day from start to finish.

As riders made history on the streets of Somerville, Clinton Honda helped ensure the event ran smoothly behind the scenes while giving fans an opportunity to check out some of Honda's newest vehicles up close.

We're grateful for their continued partnership and support of America's longest-running major bicycle race.

Thank you, Clinton Honda, for helping make the 81st Edition of the Tour of Somerville possible.

Thank you to for being a part of the 81st Edition of the Tour of Somerville.The Community Zone once again gave families...
06/03/2026

Thank you to for being a part of the 81st Edition of the Tour of Somerville.

The Community Zone once again gave families and fans a place to gather, play, and enjoy everything that makes race day special. Whether cheering on the racers or enjoying the activities along Main Street, your support helped create an atmosphere that welcomed the entire community into the event.

We appreciate your partnership and all that you do to support Downtown Somerville throughout the year.

Thank you for helping us celebrate another incredible edition of America's longest-running major bike race.

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A huge thank you to Wolfgang's Steakhouse Grill for supporting the 81st Tour of Somerville and helping make our VIP hosp...
06/02/2026

A huge thank you to Wolfgang's Steakhouse Grill for supporting the 81st Tour of Somerville and helping make our VIP hospitality experience a success.

From longtime race supporters to sponsors, partners, and special guests, the VIP tent serves as a gathering place for the people who help make this event possible. We're grateful to Wolfgang's for helping create a welcoming atmosphere and providing outstanding hospitality throughout race day.

Thank you for being a valued partner of the Tour of Somerville and helping make the 81st edition one to remember.

📷 Trevor Raab | Deborah Shearer Photography

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