The 9Th Annual Northwestern Medicine Lake Bluff Criterium Set For Saturday, July 24
The 9th annual Northwestern Medicine Lake Bluff Criterium will take place in downtown Lake Bluff on Saturday, July 24th from 10 am until 8:15 pm, rain or shine. The Criterium will feature 11 pro and amateur men's and women's races with 600 riders from more than 40 states and many foreign countries competing in several races for prizes totaling over $6,700. The fun filled event, sponsored by Northwestern Medicine, is FREE and OPEN TO THE PUBLIC.
"Northwestern Medicine Lake Forest Hospital is proud to sponsor this world-class cycling event and to serve as the official healthcare provider for the Lake Bluff Criterium. Our health system strongly believes in promoting the importance of an active and healthy lifestyle for our community," said Thomas J. McAfee, President, Northwestern Medicine Lake Forest Hospital.
Serving as the official healthcare provider, Northwestern Medicine will have on-site healthcare professionals to care for racers and spectators who may need medical attention during the event. A full first-aid station will be set up in the fire engine bays at the Lake Bluff Fire Station.
Festivities begin when the first race is led off by an ultimate driving machine, the BMW 2021 330xi, provided by Knauz Automotive Group. This seventh generation 3-series BMW, selected to be the Criterium's pace car, boasts legendary design and dominating performance.
For a change of pace - and a little extra social distancing - a Family Fun Ride is planned this year. The ride, sponsored by Lake Forest Bank & Trust, Lake Bluff, will take place at 6:15 pm. Everyone in the family will get to experience riding on the pro racecourse. At the end of the ride, children who participated can bring their race bib to the Suzy's Swirl booth in the food court and their delicious treat will be discounted by $1.00. (This offer is only good at the event). There is no entry fee however each rider in the Family Fun Ride must be pre-registered and wear a helmet. Parents can register their families at the Lake Forest Bank & Trust, 4 E. Scranton, from Monday, July 19th to Friday, July 23rd, from 8:30 am until 5:30 pm or on Saturday, July 24th from 8:30 am until noon. Registration will also be available at the Fire Station on Saturday, July 24th from noon until race time.
What's more difficult than racing a bicycle at 25+ mph? Racing one with no brakes and no gears! Be there to watch the "fixie" racers starting at 3:45 pm. And, for the cycling afficionados in the crowd, racers from the L39ION of Los Angeles men's and women's pro cycling teams will be competing. See if Bandon Feehery from the Project Echelon pro cycling team, winner of the Intelligentsia Cup series in 2019, with his teammate Hayden Strong, can outrace the terrific L39ION team.
The Village of Lake Bluff provides a wonderful and challenging course for the Criterium while also offering a venue for a fantastic fun filled day. A Food Court will be located on the Village Green. Fabulous food and beer from local restaurants will be available for purchase beginning at 4 pm. Local restaurants include Bangkok Tokyo, Luke's, Donati's, Tacos el Norte, Suzy's Swirl, and Lake Bluff Brewing Co.
Additional sponsors of the festivities include ULINE, supplying zip ties for the entire Intelligentsia Cup series; The Jane Lee Team RE/MAX Top Performers, (Lake Bluff); Lake Forest Country Day School, (Lake Forest); Lindemann Chimney, (Lake Bluff): DiVinci Painters, (Highland Park); Pasquesi Home & Garden, (Lake Bluff); EJ's Place Restaurant, (Skokie); and David Morris Law, (Lake Bluff).
This celebration of summer guarantees that everyone who attends is a winner. The Northwestern Medicine Lake Bluff Criterium is part of the 9-day Intelligentsia Cup bicycle racing series, http://www.intelligentsiacup.com/ . For more information about the Northwestern Medicine Lake Bluff Criterium, please contact Race Director, Marco Colbert, marco@intelligentsiacup.com or visit http://www.LakeBluffCriterium.com/ .