Riders, spectators entertained at Winfield cycling event
High speed bicycle racing on residential streets and a festival atmosphere in a park combined to draw bike racers and spectators alike to Saturday's Winfield Criterium.
Riders from throughout the Midwest competed in a series of professional and amateur races on a milelong course next to Oakwood Park on Winfield's north side.
Throughout the day, athletes in various age groups and ability categories put their cycling skills to the test on normally quiet streets. More than $9,000 in prize money was awarded to the winners.
"I really like this course because it has a nice uphill at the first part, and then a lot of turns and a fun downhill and it also has really nice pavement," said Christine Thornburg of Lincolnshire, who won the opening Masters Category race.
Riders do multiple laps on a short course during criterium-style bicycle races.
Patricia Beam of Caledonia won her age group. "Sometimes I forget I'm 79 when I'm out there on the course riding," she said.
In addition to the races, there were family-friendly activities to help entertain the crowds. Those activities included a Zumba demonstration, a rock climbing wall and the premiere of "Not 2 Bad," a short film about mountain biking.
The Winfield Criterium was organized by the Athletes By Design Cycling Club.
Proceeds from the event will be donated to Ronald McDonald House Charities of Chicagoland and Northwest Indiana.