The speed, agility and excitement of professional and citizen class bicycle racing will power through the streets of downtown Arlington Heights Saturday, Aug. 2, during the second annual Arlington Classic Criterium presented by ComEd.

The 2002 Arlington Classic Criterium was the most-talked-about first-year cycling event in the region. Robbie Ventura, member of Lance Armstrong1s U.S. Postal Service Team and winner of the Men1s Pro / Category 1/2 event, was among the riders who praised the event.

"The race was great, the crowd was great, and the town of Arlington Heights did a wonderful job of coming together to put on a super event," said Ventura, a regular columnist for Chicago Athlete. Ventura and his teammate, Kenny Labbe, and Mountain Bike Hall of Fame rider Steve Tilford are among the riders already confirmed for the 2003 event.

"The competition will be fierce this year. We expect riders from all of the country to race for more than $20,000 in cash and prizes, one of the largest prize purses in the Midwest," said Jim Inman, race director and president of Elite Athletic Development. "Our course is technically challenging, with tight turns and a wide, straight finish line sprint. It's a great course for spectators, especially along the finish line sprint where riders will exceed 35 m.p.h." The .6-mile course is sanctioned by U.S.A.Cycling and starts and finishes on Evergreen Avenue & Eastman Avenue, adjacent to North School Park.

Event organizers-four volunteers who live in Arlington Height-plan to capitalize on the buzz from the inaugural event in an effort to draw more spectators and even more riders. The 2003 Arlington Classic Criterium will feature a dramatically increased prize purse, plus three new events: fun races for kids ages 5-12 years old, three-wheeled recumbent drag races for teens and adults,and the HPVA North American Recumbent Criterium Championship.

Information and registration for the Arlington Classic Criterium is now available online at www.arlingtonbikerace.com