Downers Grove National Criterium Championships, August 15-16, 2009

Where, oh where, has the summer gone?

Wouldn't you know it, as soon as the hot weather gets here, that perenial harbinger of the end of the summer cycling season, The National Criterium Championships in Downers Grove, IL are suddenly here.

The racing begins Saturday, August 15 at 2pm with the Women's Category 3/4 event and continues through the evening with the Pro-Am Cat 1/2 Men's race at 7:10.  Sunday, August 16 features a full bill beginning with two Men's Cat 5 heats at 8am, with the main event of the weekend, the USA Cycling National Criterium Championship going off with the whistle at 3pm.

Although only United States racers are eligible for the coveted Stars and Stripes jersey, expect talent from all over the world to be present and accounted for to stake a claim on the more than $21,000 on the line for this single race.  In fact, this two day event features some of the largest purses for amatuer racing anywhere in the in country.  The fields are enormous and extremely competitive in all categories and the large crowds of specators expect and get a show in every event.

This is truly a one-of-a-kind opportunity to race and watch in this kind of atmosphere and should not be missed.  Online registration is still open.  Unfortunately, the Chicago Cycling Club no longer seems to be offering to lead the ride out to the races, as they have in the past.  I will post a map-my-ride route soon on this blog for a safe way out to catch all the action from the comfort of your bike.