It may be a little-known sporting event in Jefferson City, but the Missouri State Championship Criterium draws hundreds of people to town each year for what competitive cyclists say is the cycling equivalent of NASCAR.
The event takes place 9 a.m. to about 5 p.m. Sunday on a 1-mile loop around the Capitol building.
Event Director Mike Weiss said rather than a set number of laps, riders race for a set duration, which ranges from 40-65 minutes, depending on the category.
Eight categories will race for more than $850 in prize money. The event is sponsored by Big Shark Bicycle Company, a three-store cycling chain in St. Louis owned by Weiss.
He expects 200 or more riders, including several from Jefferson City and Columbia, to participate.
"The races are divided by age, gender and ability," Weiss said. "While you have to be a Missouri resident to win the gold medal, some members of the teams come from surrounding states."
Weiss and his group took over the race from the Capital City Cycling Club in 2000. It has been taking place for about 20 years. It hasn't caught on as a big spectator sport in Jefferson City, and Weiss encourages people to come watch the races.
"Criterium racing is fun to watch and very spectator friendly," he said. "With criterium, you can walk around the course and see the action from different vantage points, and it's a faster, aggressive format."
The race typically draws professional riders who race at a national level, he said.
"If you've never seen a bike race up close, it's pretty cool," Weiss said. "Now whether or not there is a crowd, that doesn't affect the quality of the competition. We've got some athletes that have national and professional ambitions."
Riders can register at BikeReg.com up to and on race day.
For more information, visit bigshark.com.
"We regard the Capitol and the streets around it as an iconic part of our state," Weiss said. "We love the setting. It's gorgeous. I'd tell Jefferson Citians, enjoy having an event like this come to you."