The richest crit in US history is coming to Sacramento this October
L39ION's Justin Williams is behind the event, which will have a $100k prize purse split equally between men and women.
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The US criterium schedule has a new – and lucrative – season highlight.
On October 30, Sacramento in California will play host to Into the Lion’s Den powered by SRAM, which will be the richest crit in US history.
Organized by Justin Williams, the co-founder of the Continental-level L39ION of Los Angeles team, the event will offer US$100,000 in prize money, evenly split between the men’s and women’s pro fields and divided into $10,000 in primes and $40,000 in prize money for the top 10 in each race.
Both men and women will race for 70 minutes, on a 1 km circuit around the grounds of the California Capitol.
“My vision has always been to make the sport of cycling great for everyone,” said Williams.
To that end, there’s more than just pro-level racing. Held over the Halloween weekend, there is a day-long program of family-friendly activities, including a costume competition. Amateur level races will also be held, with riders competing for prizes rather than money.
“Ride your bikes, wear costumes and enjoy the community Halloween event,” Williams said. “Get hooked on criterium racing during the open races, and then watch current and former National Champions go full-gas in the pro crits.”
Justin and Corey Williams’ L39ION squad has enjoyed a stellar debut season, winning both the men’s and women’s GC at the Joe Martin Stage Race and dominating most rounds of the USA Crits series.