August in North America means criteriums galore

By Mark Zalewski, North American Editor

With the Fourth of July barbecues long gone and the first day of school looming on the horizon, August means the last chance for a family vacation and the culmination of North American criterium racing. From big money criteriums to the USPRO championships, fans all across the U.S. can get their fill of racing before the end of the season.

When listing favourites for these races, the numerous sprinters of Health Net-Maxxis have to be at the top of the list. Gord Fraser, Greg Henderson, Ivan Dominguez and Tyler Farrar have all ridden well this year. Navigator's Insurance has more than a couple of sprinters in their stable as well with Vasilli Davidenko finishing his career and looking to go out on top. Jelly Belly-Pool Gel would have the USPRO criterium jersey on the team were it not for the retirement of Jonas Carney. However, riders like Alex Candelario, Dave McCook and Danny Pate can all challenge in these races. Colavita-Sutter Home's Mark McCormack leads another strong team with sprinter Juan Jose Haedo.

Other professional and amateur teams will also be using these races as a springboard for next year's sponsorships, while individual riders hope to score a contract for next year. On the women's side, Tina Pic (Quark) is arguably the queen of criteriums, reigning as U.S. champion for the past three years. But outside of the national championships, Pic will have to battle the likes of Ina Teutenberg (T-Mobile) and other strong riders.

On the other side of the country from Charlotte, the 44th Annual edition of this criterium standard will once again feature the same challenging course. Shaped like a slightly bent "paperclip", the course features two long straightaways, two sweeping 180 degree turns, and 150 feet of climbing per lap. The final turn is just 200 meters from the finish line, so spectators can find many good places to watch.

For the criterium racing junkie in your group ride, this weekend should be circled and not missed. The Chicago suburb of Downers Grove, IL continues as host of the USPRO and elite criterium championships for men and women, with a tough course and lots of racing packed into two days. Saturday features category racing on the same course as the pro's, culminating with a half-distance pro-am for both men and women.

Sunday begins early with a rarely seen men's category 2-only race before the elite amateur men and women fight for the stars and stripes. Like Philadelphia, the USPRO champion will be the first American to cross the line. Last year's finish was one for the story books as two veteran pros, Jonas Carney and Robbie Ventura, raced in their final event as professionals, with Ventura crashing in the final corner and Carney winning the jersey.

The people of Binghamton, NY have been running this event for the past 22 years in order to raise awareness of drunk driving. Not only does it feature an NRC criterium with $40,000 in prizes, but a 5km running race worth $15,000 as well. The cycling course is a 1.2 mile roll through a city park that includes a small climb and plenty of non-cycling entertainment for the less-than obsessed cycling fan in your family.