French-Canadian Martin Gilbert won the USA Professional Criterium Championship held on Sunday, August 19, in the Chicago suburb of Downers Grove. American Kirk O'Bee won the prestigious "Stars & Stripes" jersey.

From a field of more than 125 cyclists, O'Bee was the first American to cross the finish line and win the jersey. (He was the second cyclist to cross the line overall and will hold the national champion title until 2008.)

Gilbert raced as a member of team Kelly Benefit Strategies/Medifast. O'Bee raced as a member of Health Net presented by Maxxis team. American Shawn Milne, also a member of team Health Net, placed third.

Cyclists from more than 15 countries participated in the USA Professional Criterium Championship, the final of 13 pro-am races held over a cloudy and sometimes rainy weekend. The distance of the USA Pro Criterium Championship was 100 kilometers (62 laps). This year the Downers Grove championship event celebrated its 21st year.

Over the weekend, more than 15,000 spectators viewed more than 900 cyclists in competitive events for both amateur and professional athletes.

In addition to the USA Professional Criterium Championship, other high- profile events held included an Elite Men's National Criterium Championship, an Elite Women's National Criterium Championship, and a Pro-Am Challenge (Categories 1 & 2).

For complete results from all races, visit www.dgcycling.com.