About the Stifel Nicolaus Edwardsville Rotary Criterium

The Stifel Nicolaus Edwardsville Rotary Criterium is a fast-paced, pro-am bicycle race held in Downtown Edwardsville, Illinois on Saturday, August 18, 2012. The course features seven turns, a picturesque historic downtown setting and lively spectators.  USA Cycling permit is 2012-2790.

What can I expect?

You can expect seven fast-paced races on a short 7/10 of a mile course. There will be seven separate races beginning at 3:00 p.m. (subject to change) The last race, the Men 1, 2 is a professional race and will begin at 9:15 p.m. Cyclists follow the same route for a certain amount of time, the first to cross the finish line is the winner.

Where should I stand to watch?

Most of the action will be taking place on Main Street near the Start/Finish Line. But the corner of Main and Vandalia will definitely be an action-packed area as the curve is tight and the cyclists will be starting a significant straightaway. The “Ninians Narrows” in front of the statue of Ninian Edwards and TheBank of Edwardsville may also be an interesting place to watch as the cyclists will be traveling on a narrow portion of the route AND setting up for a tough corner.

What is a Criterium?

A criterium, or ‘crit’, is a bicycle race held on a short course (usually between 0.5 and 2.0 miles in length) and often run on streets in the heart of a city center. Race Length is determined by total time or number of laps.

A criterium’s duration is shorter than that of a traditional road race and the average speed and intensity of a Criterium are appreciably higher. The winner is the first rider to cross the finish line without having been “lapped.” Criteriums also offer smaller cash prizes (called primes, pronounced “preems”) for winning specific laps. Criteriums are the most common type of bicycle racing in the continental United States.

Where to Park?

Parking is available on Second Street in Downtown Edwardsville.

From I-270, take Exit 9, IL-157 North to Edwardsville. Follow IL-157 until it ends at a T-intersection. Turn right at St. Louis Street, then make a quick left on Myrtle, right on Randle, left on Clay, and right onto Second Street, where there is ample parking available.

From I-255, take Exit 3, New Poag Road to Edwardsville. Turn right onto New Poag Road. It becomes St. Louis Street. Turn left on Myrtle, right on Randle, left on Clay, and right onto Second Street, for parking.