Criterium bike races returning to Winfield

Hundreds of professional and amateur bicycle racers will be in Winfield Saturday, July 11, for the 16th annual Winfield Criterium that starts in Oakwood Park near downtown.

With more than $7,500 in prizes, racers will compete for the ABR National Championship in a variety of age and ability categories, with a portion of all entry fees going to Special Olympics.

The races start around noon, organizers said, with the main professional race slated for 6 p.m.

New this year is "The Little 5," which features athletes from area high schools competing in a relay format to raise money for their athletic programs.

The criterium is organized by Advocates for the Winfield Riverwalk and sponsored by Northwestern Medicine.

Festivities surrounding the race will include entertainment by juggler Andy Head, magician Wayne Braun and the Community Acapella Chamber Choir. Gavin Coyle and Mike Flynn will perform a post-race concert.

For details, visit winfieldcriterium.com.