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Cyclists race along Waukegan streets in first criterium event

The streets of downtown Waukegan were transformed into a Tour de France-type raceway as the inaugural Vista Health System Waukegan Criterium took place Friday.

The Waukegan leg of the criterium is part of the Prairie State Cycling Series, which includes eight bicycle races in towns throughout the Chicago area.

"The city of Waukegan was ready to embrace this race," race co-coordinator Tom Schuler said.

The route took riders on Genesee Street, north to Clayton Street, east to Sheridan Road, south to Water Street and north on Genesee.

About 300 cyclists in men's and women's categories, ranging from amateur to professional, participated in the event that ended with a block party and kids races.

"We're racing on Genesee Street and Sheridan Road," race co-coordinator Marco Colbert said. "What's better than that? We are in the heart of downtown Waukegan. We are showing off the assets of the town."

The next leg of the race will take place in Lake Bluff on Saturday.

To learn more about the Prairie State Cycling Series, visit

http://www.prairiestatecyclingseries.com/.

  Susie Pasillas of Waukegan, cheers on her brother, Erik Pasillas, during Friday's inaugural Vista Health System Waukegan Criterium. Steve Lundy/slundy@dailyherald.com
  Category 5 men's second-place finisher Todd Pogreba of Lombard, left, winner David Hoag of Highland Park, and third place finisher Otham Alfreyan of DeKalb, take the podium Friday during the inaugural Vista Health System Waukegan Criterium. Steve Lundy/slundy@dailyherald.com
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