Rum Village Criterium
Posted by Adam Bee on August 20, 2008
South Bend’s biggest race is this Sunday, August 24th. The Indiana State Criterium Championships are held annually on the loop of Rum Village Park in south South Bend. Since the state championship is on the line, the best talents from across the state will be showing up.
The course is by far the fastest I’ve ever seen–it’s basically an outdoor velodrome. It’s only .9 miles long, so racers will be flying by roughly every two minutes. The finish is on a slight incline, with great sightlines and nice shade for spectators. Most of the races also have primes, sprints announced in the middle of the race for cash and prizes.
Personally, I did this race last year and it was a blast. This year I’ll be racing in the beginner Category 4/5s at 11:30am. If you can only watch one race this year, check out the elite Category 1/2/3s racing at 3:00 for $1000 cash–those guys are FAST!!
Nate Barnett said
It looks like Sunday’s going to be a great day pack a picnic and watch some racing. I’m in.
Henry Scott said
How did this turn out? I had hoped to make it, but my wife had the day off and we followed through on plans we’ve had for a while to do some canoeing. We had a great time, but I was sorry to miss the bike racing!
Nate Barnett said
It was a great day for racing. A group of three riders laped the field about 3/4 into the race but it was great seeing those riders fly. I took a few pics with my cameraphone and will post them later.
Geane Helfrich said
Anybody have a 2009 date for this race yet?
Thanks!
Adam Bee said
I’d be curious on that too. I would generally assume that it would be the same weekend (2nd last in August), same place.
I have heard a rumor that this year it may be moved up to mid-June at Howard Park to coincide with a local environmental festival, but I haven’t heard anything really authoritative on that yet.
Does anyone else know anything more about that? It would help a lot for us racers planning out our seasons, for sure!
Scott Kelsey said
I recieved this email Monday, but I don’t know if the Criterion is replacing the Rum Village race.
Dear Eco Fest Friend:
Please mark your calendar for downtown South Bend’s 2009 Eco Fest, Saturday, June 20 from 10:00
a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Downtown South Bend, Inc. (DTSB), the United Way of St. Joseph County and the City
of South Bend invite you to make plans now to participate in the second annual Eco Fest which will be held
in downtown South Bend’s Howard Park (please note; new location). We received very positive
feedback from participants last year so we’re expanding and are expecting another great event.
Due to the generous support of our sponsors, there is no fee required to be an exhibitor and for those
attending, Eco Fest will remain a free, family-friendly event. Eco Fest is the perfect venue for local and
regional sustainability groups and businesses. As before, Eco Fest will feature many interactive healthy
lifestyle attractions and opportunities for voluntarism. We’re also pleased to announce the Honeywell
Cycling Team will be hosting the Indiana Cycling Criterion Championships in conjunction with Eco Fest.
The bike races will take place adjacent to Howard Park and are sure to add even more excitement and fun.
We recognize your time is very valuable and you may have been asked to participate in other festivals
around the region; however we hope you’ll consider Eco Fest one of your key events. As a leader in the
local sustainability movement, we’re excited to present you with this special opportunity to interact with
the community and share information about your products, services and ideas.
Additional information and the Eco Fest Web site will be on its way to you soon, in the meantime we
wanted to make you aware of the date for planning purposes.
DTSB and our partners hope you’ll save the date and participate in Eco Fest 2009 and help advance efforts
in growing the local green marketplace and promoting a healthier life for everyone. If you have any
questions please contact Michele Kastner at (574) 282-1110 or mkastner@downtownsouthbend.com.
Shawn O'Brien said
The criterium typically held at Rum Village in August is indeed being moved to June, and to a new course near Howard Park to coincide with Eco-Fest. Check http://www.truesport.com in the near future for details.
Shawn (Honeywell Cycling)
Adam Bee said
Sounds great! Thanks for the info!