First-Year Events Offers $11,500 in Prize Money
Robbie Ventura and Kenny Labbe, members of the U.S. Postal Service Pro Cycling Team, will join approximately 400 other cyclists on Saturday, Aug. 3, in the inaugural Arlington Classic Criterium in Arlington Heights.

Presented by ComEd and the Village of Arlington Heights, the criterium schedule includes events for U.S. Cycling Federation-licensed and citizen class riders in men's, women's, juniors and masters divisions.

Cyclists will navigate a short, technical course, punctuated by tight turns and a wide, straight finish line sprint. The half-mile layout starts and finishes on Evergreen Avenue & Eastman, adjacent to North School Park.

Ventura, a sprint specialist and nine-year professional from Gurnee, IL, has won more than 60 races in his career, including 20 since 1999. He has been slowed by an injury this year, but is close to full strength.

This is Labbe's second full season with Postal as a support rider in the team's domestic events. Much of Ventura's success has come with help from Labbe. Labbe, a resident of Arlington Heights, is the only actual letter carrier on the Postal team. He is a 12-time Illinois State Champion.

"The Arlington Classic Criterium is a dynamic family-oriented event that will attract residents and non-residents alike to our busineses and neighborhoods, as well as draw attention to the incredible services provided by Arlington Cares (the event's beneficiary)," said race director Jim Inman. "Thanks to the support of our sponsors, we're pleased to donate race proceeds to a charity based in and serving the residents of Arlington Heights."

Riders will compete for more than $11,500 in cash and prizes, one of the larger purses for amateur riders in the Midwest.

For more information, or to register, go to www.arlingtonbikeclassic.com.