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US Pro Criterium Championships
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Downers Grove as a VIP

Thanks to the courtesy of the parents of former HarperRide riders Chris Coletta (U.S. Olympian) and Andy Coletta (Jr. National Omnium Champion), HarperRide.net was able to spend this year's USPRO Criterium in the VIP tent, which was relocated to the center of the course's figure-8 and wheel pit area. With a steady rain throughout the day, there could not have been a better year to enjoy the pleasures of bike racing in VIP luxury.

Read on as we enjoyed food, drink, good company, and a great view to see what you are missing when you are sitting on the hill in the rain.



	To the left is a view from the back of the VIP area. The large maroon bus with the fencing on top is the main component of the VIP section. From its front hangs a large awning and underneath that awning are tables, chairs, food, and drink. The interior of the bus is also part of the VIP area, and the entire area is fenced in to keep out the riff raff. Pictured below are two photos showing what it looks like underneath the awning. Quite easy to stay dry while enjoying the bike race! Below, you can see the Mavic neutral support wheel pit.

Of course, like any good skybox experience, the centerpiece of this experience is food and drink, and it is available in abundance in the VIP area at Downers Grove. (With bike racers around, the event's organizers are well aware that they need to guard the sandwiches and cookies very closely.)

Inside the bus, one can hang out in luxury. Carpeted floors and comfortable seats are everywhere, and the windows allow you to continue to keep an eye on the action. Speaking of comfort... How is this for a bike race bathroom? Smells good, too!

On top of the bus, the crowd gathers as the race nears its end. Not only do staff members from HarperRide.net head up to the bus's roof, but Christian VandeVelde's family also found it to be a great place from which to watch the finish. While Christian was not around due to both the birth of his baby daughter and his preparation for the Vuelta a España, the VandeVelde family did pose for a picture with Downers Grove as a backdrop (below right). FYI--Christian's grandma stayed downstairs for the race's end.

From the top, there is a great view of both turns at the center of the course's figure-8 (Turn 1-Below Left & Turn 5's Exit-Below Middle). The view of the finish (Below Right) is obscured due to the trees and buildings.


With another Downers Grove USPRO Criterium Championship in the books, and one of the two wettest in memory, being a VIP was great fun. Leaving with a full belly and a great perspective on bike racing, one can only hope that Mayor Craig Johnson of Elk Grove Village finds a way to outdo this level of hospitality in 2008!
A British M.P. holds court