Several of the world's top professional and amateur athletes will be competing at the National Criterium Championships (NCC) of Cycling on Saturday and Sunday, August 19 and 20, in Downers Grove. Now celebrating its 20th year, NCC weekend will feature 13 professional and amateur cycling races. The event is free for spectators.

Also scheduled is a new fundraiser ride open to the public that benefits the Children's Oncology Fund at 1:45 p.m. on Sunday ($25 registration fee.) And on the lighter side, a Big Wheel Race will be held on Sunday at 2:10 p.m. for children ages 2 to 7.

Hours are 1 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Saturday and 9 a.m. to p.m. on Sunday. Event start/finish location is Main and Grove Streets in downtown Downers Grove.

The most important NCC event is the U.S. Professional Racing Organization (USPRO) National Criterium Championship, a men's professional cycling competition (100k, 62 laps) that will be held on Sunday afternoon at 3:10 p.m. The total cash prize money for this race is $22,000. Top winners at this event go on to compete in other national and international cycling championships, including those held during the Olympics.

Other NCC cycling highlights include a 50k/31 lap Pro-Am Challenge at 6:30 p.m. on Saturday; a USCF (U.S. Cycling Federation) 50k/31 lap Women's Elite National Criterium Championship (10:00 a.m. on Sunday); and a USCF 80k/50 lap Men's Elite Criterium Championship (11:30 a.m. on Sunday).

For more information, visit www.dgcyling.com or call (773) 868-3010.