Photos by Raymond Britt/www.nantucketmedia.com

Australian Hilton Clarke won first place in the USPRO Criterium Championship while American Brad Huff won the prestigious "Stars and Stripes" jersey at the National Criterium Championships on Aug. 20. From a field of more than 140 cyclists, Huff was the first American to cross the finish line and will hold the national champion title until 2007.

The USPRO championship was held on Sunday, Aug. 20 in Downers Grove. Clarke raced as a member of Navigators Insurance Cycling Team. Huff from TEAM TIAA-CREF placed second, and American Tony Cruz from Toyota-United Pro Cycling Team placed third.

Chicago riders swept the Men's Cat 3 race. Andrew Daley of Team Clif Bar Midwest placed first, Matthew O'Keefe of XXX Racing placed second and James Holton of ABD took third place.

"Andy is our all-star, there's no question about it," says Eric Goodwin, Managing Director of Team Clif Bar Midwest. "He has proven that he is an athlete with frightening versatility. . .It is remarkable for someone to excel in such a variety of cycling disciplines and to be able to hold their form over such a long stretch of time."

Cyclists from more than 15 countries participated in the National Criterium Championship. This year the Downers Grove championship event celebrated its 20th anniversary.

Over the weekend, more than 20,000 spectators viewed more than 900 cyclists racing in 13 competitive events for both amateur and professional athletes.

In addition to the Men's U.S. Pro Cycling Championship, other events held included the National Criterium Championship for women sanctioned by the U.S. Cycling Federation (USCF), a Pro-Am Challenge and a Men's Elite Criterium Championship.

Australian Hilton Clark of Navigators Insurance (left) wins the 62 mile criterium bike race, while Americans Brad Huff of team TIAA-CREF (right) and Tony Cruz (center) of team Toyota United took second and third place respectively. As the first American finisher, Huff earned the National Champion distinction.

Most of the 140 riders who started remained together for 62 miles until the final sprint. This photo was taken with two 1-mile laps to go.

Mike Norton of team NERAC/Outdoor Lights about halfway through the race. Riders remained low and tight throughout the criterium, fighting to hold their place in the field.

Four cyclists attempt to break away late in the race. They were caught shortly thereafter.

Click here for complete results, which will be posted as soon as they are available.