Kwik Star Criterium Celebrates Over 50 Years with these Memorial Day Weekend Events

by Jessica Waytenick

The Kwik Star Criterium, contested each year on Memorial Day, celebrates over a half-century of bicycle racing in the Quad Cities.  On Monday, May 29, 2017, over 400 cyclists from throughout the U.S. will start/finish in the heart of the Village of East Davenport business district in Davenport, Iowa.  This is the fourth year racing on the historic, hilly course.

The course starts on 11th Street, then travels into the hills of the McClellan Heights neighborhood, before plunging down 12th Street, and back to the start/finish for a total course distance of ¾’s of a mile.  There are many races throughout the day from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.  For more information on race times and route, visit www.quadcitiescriterium.com.

There will be a monitored Kids Zone Play area with bouncy houses, and a kid’s race at 3:30 p.m. for boys and girls from 3-10 years.  There is also a junior race between 9-18 years that drew over 30 competitors last year.

The Kwik Star Criterium is the 2nd longest continuously running bicycle race in the U.S.  The Kwik Star Criterium is included in the four Memorial Day Weekend Bicycle Races with Burlington, Iowa, on Friday night and Saturday and Muscatine, Iowa, on Sunday.  Cyclists can compete for a three-day cumulative score called an Omnium, with a $1500 prize purse.

The restaurants and businesses in the Village are planning to be open with special deals on Memorial Day for the Criterium.  Founded in 1851, the Village of East Davenport invites you to discover their unique blend of history, shopping, confectioneries, galleries, pubs, dining, lodging, events and celebrations, along with their scenic parks that overlook the mighty Mississippi River. The Village invites you to shop, eat, drink, and play!  Visit www.villageofeastdavenport.com for more information. 

For more information on Memorial Day Weekend activities, see Visit Quad Cities.