In its fourth year, the successful Grove Criterium bike race is expanding and rebranding. Now known as the St. Louis Classic, the event will take place over two days from August 11 and 12, 2018, and feature bicycle races and family-friendly activities in Babler State Park, Tower Grove Park and The Grove neighborhood. The races will feature multiple categories, ranging from juniors to elite cyclists competing on a variety of courses for more than $12,000 in cash and awards.

Events for the St. Louis Classic include:

  • Babler State Park Time Trial – August 11 beginning at 7:30 a.m.
  • Tower Grove Park Criterium – August 11 beginning at noon; kid’s races at 5:40 p.m.
  • Be Like Casey Bike Rally – August 11 from 2 to 5 p.m. in Tower Grove Park; a free children’s skill and safety clinic sponsored by Trailnet and the Casey Saunders Foundation.
  • Trailnet Fun Ride – August 12 beginning at 7:30 a.m. at the corner of Newstead and Manchester avenues.
  • The Grove Criterium – August 12 beginning at 10 a.m.; kids’ races at 3:40 p.m.

“Race participation and interest is growing across the country, and we’re growing with it,” said St. Louis Classic Race Director Peder Hulse, president and owner of Hulse Commercial Real Estate. “Our expanded event gives participants traveling to St. Louis an opportunity to spend more time in the city and to experience all that St. Louis has to offer. And, for local riders, it gives them more venues to race over the course of two days.”

Discounted preregistration for the St. Louis Classic is available now through August 8 at www.cyclingstlouis.com. Full-price, race-day registration will be available before each race.

A portion of the proceeds from The St. Louis Classic will benefit the Casey Saunders Foundation. The foundation provides financial support to youth interested in cycling, hiking, camping and other outdoor activities and encourages a healthy lifestyle and community involvement.

Presenting sponsor Urban Chestnut Brewing Company will feature a race-day expo area in Tower Grove Park and in The Grove neighborhood. The area will include a beer garden, family-friendly activities and live music. Food for this year’s event also will be available for purchase from award-winning barbecue restaurant, BEAST Craft BBQ, recently named one of the top 50 barbecue restaurants in the U.S. by Food & Wine magazine.

“Hosting a race weekend takes the time, talent and resources of a large team of volunteers and sponsors,” said Hulse. “We couldn’t do it without them, and we appreciate their support and belief in our event and the St. Louis cycling community.”