West End Businesses Welcome Cyclists, Spectators To Lakewood Criterium

On July 28, the Lakewood Criterium is coming to the West End of Lakewood. A Criterium is a popular form of high-speed bike racing that showcases the speed, agility and power of the cyclists. The course is a one mile loop starting on Detroit Avenue, turning onto Edanola, Sloane, West Clifton and back onto Detroit. With as many as 25 laps in a single race, racers' legs will be tested and spectators are sure to be entertained.

The Lakewood Criterium is presented by Team Spin, our own Lakewood-based bicycle racing team that logged over 10,000 miles of racing in more than 350 events in 2011. The team stood on 102 podiums across the country last year, taking 70 wins in various race divisions. Team Spin’s own Thom Dominic placed 3rd in last year’s main event, the Men’s Category 1/2/3 race.

In addition to the multiple-lap races for licensed racers (Men, Women, Juniors 10-18), the Lakewood Criterium will also offer events for the community at large. The Lakewood Criterium includes a Community Fun Challenge (one lap) and a Kids’ Challenge (ages 6-12). Visit www.lakewoodcriterium.com for a complete race schedule.

In anticipation of the event, Lakewood’s West End businesses are preparing to welcome the racers, their families and friends, Lakewood residents, and cycling enthusiasts from throughout the region to watch elite cycling in a fun festival-type atmosphere. Blackbird Baking Company is the official Race Sponsor of the Men’s Pro Cat 1/2/3 Race. Nature’s Bin is the host and sponsor of the Nature’s Bin Racers Hospitality Tent. Several businesses have ordered cowbells — the traditional cheering device used by spectators to cheer on their favorite Criterium athletes. Visitors and race fans are encouraged to walk the Criterium loop to see the race from multiple vantage points and to stop at race-route businesses along the way. Pick up a late-lunch pizza, buy the kids a cookie or a muffin, stock up on healthy snacks, grab a cold beverage, have dinner — you can do it all in the West End before, after, in between, and during the races!

Test your legs and your bike handling skills, come and cheer on your own Team Spin (look for the blue and orange jerseys) — and, most of all, enjoy a summer Saturday afternoon at this unique and family-friendly event in Lakewood’s West End.

For more information about the Lakewood Criterium or to volunteer at the event, visit www.lakewoodcriterium.com.