Winfield Criterium brings out competitor in all ages

As he crossed the finish line for the second time Saturday afternoon, Nick Labbe exuberantly pumped his fist in the air.

The first one across in this race, it was the polar opposite experience of the 9-year-old's earlier race result.

"I mean it was not that big a deal in the juniors race that I finished last, because those guys were like 15 years old," Labbe said after the race featuring 9- and 10-year-olds. "But it's nice to win."

While the atmosphere of the Winfield Criterium - now in its 16th year - is congenial fun among friends and neighbors, nobody is racing for second place.

"I gave it my all, but I didn't win," said 8-year-old Moriah Husted of Winfield, whose home abuts the 1.2-mile course. "I wanted to win because I like to win."

There's also the cache of cash involved. Monetary prizes are awarded in eight races. Some of the professional class riders can take home more than $1,000.

"This race actually has decent prize money," said West Chicago's Rich Steinbrecher, who won $25 in his race Saturday. "And this course is also pretty great because it's a little bigger, it has that hill and it's spread out, so you can really show your strength. But the money is a nice bonus."

This year, organizers also added a special relay race for area high school students who could register as a team of five riders and race for a $500 grant for their respective high school teams.

It's one of the few changes to a format that has proved successful for organizers since the Criterium began in 2000.

Winding through the neighborhood adjacent to Oakwood Park, just north of Central DuPage Hospital, the Criterium lures riders from all over the area and even Germany this year.

Residents along the course put up tents and grill in their yards as they watch the racers speed by from noon until about 7:30 p.m.

"The community has been incredibly supportive of this over the years," said co-organizer Mike Farrell. "There's no other pro sporting event in Winfield, so that brings a high level of entertainment and excitement with it I think."

But nothing beats the thrill of the competition, explained 6-year-old Olivia Ebelt of Winfield. Well, sort of: "I don't know why I like it. I just do."