Kalamazoo - The 8^th annual Miller Energy Criterium will be held on Saturday, July 13, 2013 at Western Michigan University’s Business, Technology and Research Park located at Parkview and Drake Roads in Kalamazoo. The first race in the 11-category event, held on a closed 1.1 mile loop course, starts at 8:00 AM; the last is scheduled to begin at 5:00 PM. There is no admission charge for spectators, parking is free, and refreshments, from Scott’s Pig Roast, will be available.

The Miller Energy Criterium is part of a three-day ‘bike race weekend.’  Preceding Saturday’s race, members of the Priority Health professional cycling team will administer free bike racing clinics for men and women at the BTR Park on July 12th from 6:30 to 8:00 PM. On Sunday the Maple Hill Race for Wishes State Championship Road Race will be held in Lawton, Michigan. Information about each of these events can be found at:  www.wmich.edu/btrrace.

Criterium bicycle races are held on short, circular courses that provide excellent viewing opportunities for spectators. The races run for a set period of time plus two laps, ensuring exciting sprint finishes. Intermediate sprints also occur as the leaders of certain laps compete for ‘primes’ - prizes and cash. The overall cash ‘purse,’ for the Miller Energy BTR Criterium is $6,000, split between the categories.   

There will be a post race celebration at Mangia Pizza and Pasta Company, 3112 South 9^th Street, following the Miller Energy Criterium, located less than half a mile from the BTR Park. Racers are eligible for a dinner discount. 

The Kalamazoo Bicycle Club is a Platinum Sponsor of the Miller Energy Criterium. For more information about the club’s activities or for membership information please visit www.kalamazoobicycleclub.org.