CHICAGO--August 21, 2005--From a field of 120 international cyclists American Tyler Farrar from team Health Net Maxxis was the winner of the prestigious U.S. Professional Racing Organization (USPRO) 2005 National Criterium Championship, the men's professional cycling championship. The USPRO championship was held on Sunday afternoon, August 21, in Downers Grove, Ill. xxx raced as a member of xxx and won $4,000.00 in prize money.

Farrar, who placed second in 2004, was the first American to cross the finish line and was named U.S. National Champion. A photo finish was necessary as Farrar edged out Dave McCook of team Jelly Belly Pool Gel by less than the width of a bike tire. McCook last won the Championship in 1994. Kyle Wamsley of Team Snow Valley Sealon placed third, Dan Schmatz of Kodak Gallery Sierra Nevada placed fourth and in his 12th year of participating in the National Championships Mark McCormack of team Colavita Olive Oil / Sutter Home placed 5th.

120 cyclists from more than 9 countries participated in the National Championship Criterium Race that was held as part of the August 20-21 National Criterium Championships of Cycling in suburban Chicago. The distance of the criterium is 100 kilometers (62 laps). The average speed from the championship was more than 27 mph. During the weekend, more than 30,000 spectators viewed over 500 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: National Criterium Championships for women sanctioned by the U.S. Cycling Federation (USCF); a Pro-Am Challenge; a Men's Elite Criterium Championship; and a big wheel race for the kids attending the event.

For more details, visit www.dgnationalchampionships.com.