Lake Bluff Criterium Returns to the Village on July 29th

The 11th annual Northwestern Medicine Lake Bluff Criterium will take place in

downtown Lake Bluff on Saturday, July 29th from 11 am until 8 pm, rain or shine. The Criterium
will feature 9 pro and amateur men’s and women’s races with 600+ cyclists from more than 42
states and many foreign countries worldwide, competing for prizes totaling over $13,400. The
fun-filled event, sponsored by Northwestern Medicine, is FREE and OPEN TO THE PUBLIC.
“For 11 years, Northwestern Medicine Lake Forest Hospital has served as the proud
sponsor of the Lake Bluff Criterium, supporting a world-class event in our community,” said
Marsha Oberrieder, President at Northwestern Medicine Lake Forest Hospital. “Our health
system continues to believe in the importance of promoting local events that encourage active
and healthy lifestyles.” Serving as the official healthcare provider, Northwestern Medicine will
have on-site healthcare professionals to care for racers and spectators who may need medical
attention. A full first-aid station will be set up at the Lake Bluff Fire Station.
Festivities begin when the first race is led off by the Criterium’s official pace car, the
2023 Land Rover Defender 90, on loan from Knauz Automotive Group, Lake Bluff. For the
enjoyment car enthusiasts, Knauz will also have the latest models of vehicles on display
throughout the Village Green.
Families are encouraged to join the fun by participating in the Family Fun Ride,
sponsored by Lake Forest Bank & Trust, Lake Bluff, taking place at 6:15 pm on the pro
racecourse. There is no entry fee however each rider in the Family Fun Ride must be preregistered and wear a helmet. Parents can sign up their families from July 24th until noon on July
29th at the Lake Forest Bank & Trust, 4 E. Scranton, or on race day, at the Fire Station. Since
everyone’s a winner, kids will receive a $1 discount from Suzy’s Swirl Frozen Yogurt Shop
when they show their race number at checkout.
Lake Bluff is a wonderful venue for families to celebrate summer. New to the event this
year is the Lake Bluff Crit Party, taking place on the Village Green from 4 until 8 p.m. Local
Lake Bluff food vendors will include Donati’s Pizza, Bangkok Tokyo Restaurant, Tacos El
Norte, and, of course, Suzy’s Swirl. Craft beer supplied by the Lake Bluff Brewing Company
will be available at the Lake Bluff Community Church beer tent with net proceeds from sales
going to a charity selected by the Church. The Nic Barnum Band, known for their high energy,
soulful, and eclectic rock ‘n roll, will perform a broad repertoire of music including favorites
from Aretha Franklin, Phish, and the Rolling Stones, to name a few.
“This is the 11th season of the Northwestern Medicine Lake Bluff Criterium, and we are
so grateful for the partnership and support we have received over the years from our title
sponsor, Northwestern Medicine,” stated Marco Colbert, Race Director. “We are also grateful
for support from our other terrific sponsors, from the Village of Lake Bluff and from our loyal
volunteers. As part of the Intelligentsia Cup series, the Lake Bluff Criterium attracts highly
competitive bicycle racers from all over the nation and around the world. The Lake Bluff Crit is
fast, entertaining, and family friendly, with great food and live music, too!”
This year’s sponsors include Northwestern Medicine, title sponsor for 11th year; Knauz
Automotive Group, pace car sponsor for 11th year; Lake Forest Bank & Trust Co., Family Fun
Ride sponsor for 11th year; ULINE; Lake Forest Country Day School; Lindemann Chimney;
DiVinci Painters; Pasquesi Home & Garden; EJ’s Place Restaurant; and Janus Cycle Group.
The Northwestern Medicine Lake Bluff Criterium is part of the Intelligentsia Cup bicycle racing
series and is proud to once again host a stage of the American Criterium Cup series. For more information about the Northwestern Medicine Lake Bluff Criterium, please contact Race Director, Marco Colbert, marco@intelligentsiacup.com or visit https://intelligentsiacup.com/