Criterium series races into Lake Bluff July 30
The 10th annual Northwestern Medicine Lake Bluff Criterium will take place from 9:45 a.m. to 7:40 p.m. Saturday, July 30, in downtown Lake Bluff, rain or shine.
The Criterium will feature 10 pro and amateur men's and women's races with more than 600 riders from more than 43 states and many foreign countries worldwide competing for prizes totaling over $16,000.
The 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 health care provider for the Lake Bluff Criterium," said Marsha Overrieder, president of Northwestern Medicine Lake Forest Hospital. "Our health system strongly believes in promoting the importance of an active and healthy lifestyle for our community."
Serving as the official health care provider, Northwestern Medicine will have on-site health care 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.
An exhibit focusing on the state-of-the-art hospital facility and the work performed at Northwestern Medicine will be on display in the Expo area on Scranton Avenue.
Festivities begin when the first race is led off by the Criterium's pace car, on loan from Knauz Automotive Group. Knauz will also have the latest models of vehicles on display throughout the Village Green.
A Family Fun Ride, sponsored by Lake Forest Bank & Trust, Lake Bluff, will take place at 4:30 p.m. on the pro racecourse. There is no entry fee, but each rider in the Family Fun Ride must be registered in advance and wear a helmet.
Parents can register their families at the Lake Forest Bank & Trust, 4 E. Scranton or, on race day, at the fire station.
A Jumbotron on the Village Green will allow guests to watch the professional races while enjoying a picnic with family and friends. A food court will also be located on the Village Green. Food and drinks from local restaurants will be available for purchase from 4-8 p.m.
The Lake Bluff Brewing Co. will have beer available for purchase in the beer tent near the food court. Stunt rider Chris Clarke will perform at 3:30 p.m. and again at 5:30 p.m.
"This is the 10th anniversary of the Northwestern Medicine Lake Bluff Criterium," race director Marco Colbert said. "I am incredibly grateful to Northwestern Medicine and the other great sponsors that have supported this event over the years.
"A special thank you as well to the village of Lake Bluff for hosting the event and the wonderful cooperation they have given me. This year's event is on the new American Criterium Cup series, which highlights the best crit races around the country. The races are viewable to attendees on the Jumbotron and, for the first time, they'll also be livestreamed on the Outside cable network. We're very proud of how much this event has grown in 10 years," Colbert said.
This year's sponsors include Northwestern Medicine, title sponsor for 10th year; Knauz Automotive Group, pace car sponsor for 10th year; Lake Forest Bank & Trust Co., Family Fun Ride sponsor for 10th year; ULINE; Jane Lee Homes; Lake Forest Country Day School; Lindemann Chimney; DiVinci Painters; Pasquesi Home & Garden; David Morris Law; and EJ's Place Restaurant in Skokie.
The Northwestern Medicine Lake Bluff Criterium is part of the Intelligentsia Cup bicycle racing series; visit www.intelligentsiacup.com.
For more information about the Northwestern Medicine Lake Bluff Criterium, contact Colbert at marco@intelligentsiacup.com or visit www.LakeBluffCriterium.com.