Nobel, of Kennebunkport, Maine, was one of 45 cyclists ages 5-12, who raced the downtown course of the Portsmouth Criterium before the adult competition.

"This was easier," said Noble, who finished in the 9-12 age division, comparing Sunday’s event with the Tour de France.

The growing popularity of competitive cycling in the United States - spurred by Lance Armstrong’s success in the Tour de France - has included a boost in racing interest among young riders.

Robbie King celebrates as he leads the pack past the finish line to win the men’s division of the Portsmouth Criterium on Sunday afternoon. His brother, Teddy, in the green jersey behind King, finished fourth.
Photo by Andrew Moore

With the return of the Portsmouth Criterium - a speed-racing event through the city’s central business district - came a 100-yard race for riders ages 5-8 and one-lap race for riders ages 9-12. Some of the youngest cyclists chose tricycles and training wheels, and one rode a scooter.

"In terms of having a high-profile cycling hero in the media, that’s going to inspire kids," event coordinator Scott Bogle said of Armstrong’s effect on the sport. "Cycling has been around for a very long time, but it hasn’t gotten a lot of press coverage."

Eight-year-old Sarah Lessard finished with the front of the pack in the 5-to-8-year-old race.

Lessard, whose parents are avid canoe racers, practiced for Sunday’s race by biking five miles every day between her home in Durham and school in Madbury. With her expressed interest in the sport, her parents recently bought her a six-speed earlier this summer.

"It’s better than homework," she said of cycling.