Experience Downer Avenue on Race Day
Historic Downer Avenue is home to one of the most famous urban criterium courses in the country. Global in reach and extremely local in flavor, The Otto Wenz Café Hollander Classic Pro Criterium promises to be one of the highlights of cycling in Wisconsin this summer. The full day of racing, also features a popular kids’ race, plenty of bier options (local and Belgian!), the famous Ben’s Cyclery “Super Prime,” as well as a full slate of racing all afternoon and evening.
Food, beer, and family fun complement the twilight pro race that promises to bring pro teams and riders from around the world. New this year! Our First Annual MKE Unicyclists Uni-Crit Classic – unicyclists of all ages take to the course to complete two full laps for a chance to earn bragging rights and excellent prizes.
Schedule of Events
| Race Time | Category | Length |
|---|---|---|
| 10:05am – 10:30am | Junior 9-12 Boys & Girls | 25 min |
| 10:35am – 11:00am | Junior 13-14 Boys & Girls | 25 min |
| 11:05am – 11:45am | Category 4/5 Junior 15-16 & 17-18 Boys Cat 4/5 |
40 min |
| 11:55am – 12:45pm | Category 3/4 | 50 min |
| 12:55pm – 1:45pm | Category 2/3 | 50 min |
| 1:55pm – 2:35pm | Category 3/4/5 Women Junior 15-16 & 17-18 Girls Cat 3/4/5 |
40 min |
| 2:45pm – 3:45pm | Masters 40+, 50+ Cat 1/2/3 | 60 min |
| 3:55pm – 4:35pm | Junior 15-16 & 17-18 Boys Cat 1/2/3 | 40 min |
| 4:45pm – 5:45pm | Pro 1/2 Women | 60 min |
| 5:45pm – 7:00pm | Local Event | 75 min |
| 7:00pm – 8:30pm | Pro 1/2 Men | 90 min |
Course Description
The Downer Classic has the bike racing history and local street cred to make this one of America’s premier criteriums. With a flat four-corner course, mega crowds and the infamous Ben’s Cycle Super Prime & Party, this is a must-attend event.
Race Map
Start/Finish: N Downer Ave & E Belleview Pl, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53211
More Information
Parking & Directions
The best parking is on the city streets surrounding the race course. Please respect and do not park in smaller lots designated for the local businesses as they wish to reserve this parking for their customers.
From the North: South to Exit 74 toward Locust St. Merge onto N 8th then turn left onto W. Locust for 2 miles. Turn right onto Downer Avenue.
From the West: Take 94 East to 43 North to Locust Street, then right onto Locust.
Explore Downer Avenue
Historic Downer Avenue is a small yet vibrant commercial corridor located on Milwaukee’s fashionable East Side consisting of a variety of businesses including health and wellness offices, specialty grocery, an independent book seller, several restaurants, and even a movie theater celebrating 100 years.
Race Sponsors
