A Tradition in Bicycle Racing Since 1940!

When Fred Kugler, a former professional bike racer and owner of a local bike shop, now universally know as “Pop,” envisioned organizing a bike race in his quaint New Jersey hometown of Somerville, he encountered a significant obstacle. New Jersey state law posed a challenge, as it prohibited racing on highways for prizes, and Somerville’s Main Street doubled as State Highway 28. To circumvent this legislative barrier, Kugler ingeniously opted to label the race a “tour,” thus giving rise to the inaugural 50-mile Tour of Somerville in May of 1940.

Kugler’s son Furman, a past National Cycling 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 the Kuglers’ 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. Resuming 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 who gave their lives for their country.

Throughout its nearly eight-decade history, the Tour of Somerville has witnessed the participation of numerous legendary cyclists and has served as a showcase for emerging talents in the sport. Former winners of the race include several national champions and Olympic athletes, highlighting the event’s significance within the cycling community.

Over the years, the Tour of Somerville has evolved and grown, adapting to changing trends in cycling and expanding its reach beyond the local community. The race has consistently drawn large crowds of spectators, both avid cycling enthusiasts and casual observers, who gather along the route to witness the excitement and cheer on the riders.