Prairie State Criterium Bicycle Race, Block Party Set for Sunday

After months of waiting and preparation, the Sammy’s St. Charles Prairie State Criterium is almost here.

The one-day bicycle race will start and finish in front of and offer some challenges, including and incline the final turn, which launches into a long straightaway crossing the scenic Fox River for the second time, followed by a minor descent to end the course. Heats begin at 10 a.m.

The Sammy’s St. Charles Prairie State Criterium will be the kick-off race to the Prairie State Cycling Series, which will expand to multiple Illinois communities in 2013. It is part of the Tour of America’s Dairyland racing series.

“We had a vision to bring a high-quality bike racing series to northern Illinois, and Sammy’s Cycling Club along with Sammy’s Bikes embraced the idea with the incredible support of the City of St. Charles,” race director Marco Colbert said in a press release.

While the racing takes place, cycling fans and others in downtown St. Charles can participate in a free block party hosted by the Downtown St. Charles Partnership and the City of St. Charles.

The Fox Island Square Block Party will feature cookouts by and the , promotions and sidewalk sale by , as well as participation by , , and The .

“We’re encouraging people to support our Fox Island Square businesses and experience a fun day of bike races along the river,” Lynne Schwartz, executive director of the Downtown St. Charles Partnership, said in a press release.

The block party will take place in the shopping center along Illinois, bordered by the Fox River to the east and 1st Street to the west. Face painting and other activities will also take place during the festivities, which also begins at 10 a.m.