Bike race part of weekend of cycling events
KALAMAZOO—An upcoming weekend of activities scheduled for area cyclists features Western Michigan University's eighth annual competitive cycling day, set for 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, July 13, at WMU's Business, Technology and Research Park located on the Parkview Campus in Kalamazoo.
About the criterium
The 2013 Miller Energy Criterium will include 11 separate races throughout the day for participants of every age and ability level. Online registration ends at 10 p.m. Thursday, July 11. Race-day registration opens at 6:30 a.m. on site in the Southwest Michigan Innovation Center and closes 30 minutes prior to each race. A total of $6,000 in prize money will be awarded during the 2013 criterium.
A short, closed course makes criterium cycling an ideal spectator sport. For WMU's event, spectators may park at the Southwest Michigan Innovation Center. Competitors will be racing around a 1.1-mile course that features smooth pavement with three 90-degree turns and multiple sweeping turns. The criterium will be held rain or shine. Registration for the kid's race is free. The entry fee for all other races ranges from $10 to $30.
The Miller Energy Criterium is part of the area's Race Weekend Series, co-sponsored by Miller Energy Company and Maple Hill Auto Group. Those who compete in both the Miller Energy Criterium and the following day's Maple Hill Race for Wishes in nearby Lawton, Mich., will be eligible for an additional $2,500 in prizes.
Weekend activities
- Priority Health Race clinics for men and women from 6 to 8:30 p.m. Friday, July 12, BTR Park
- Miller Energy Criterium, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday, July 13, BTR Park
- Kid’s Race, 1:15 p.m., Saturday, July 13, all ages welcome, BTR Park
- Race Weekend Dinner, Saturday, July 13, Mangia Pizza and Pasta Co., 3112 S. 9th Street, Kalamazoo
- Maple Hill Race for Wishes, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Sunday, July 14, Lawton, Mich.
Lodging is available at the race headquarters hotel, the Baymont Inn and Suites.
For more information on all weekend activities, including how to register and for driving directions to WMU's Parkview Campus, visit wmich.edu/btrrace.