"The Criterium itself has a lot of fun packed into a small space, but these street sprints, when they get a good crowd and good participants, they really pack a lot of energy into a small area," said race director Brandon Beehner.

"Some people have done it at other venues and it works well so we're trying it out this year and we'll see how it works. It's more of a just-for-fun type event (unlike) the Criterium, which is actually pretty furious as the state championship this year."

Beehner had to apply to receive the Illinois State Championship designation.

"They selected us based on the downtown location," he said. "We're central in the state and then also the timing of the event is very good for a state championship. It's the end of the season."

Action on Aug. 27 includes nine races beginning with the women's Cat ¾ race and the junior boys and girls races, all at 10:45 a.m.

Other races are for the men Cat 5 (11:35 a.m.), Cat 4 (12:25 p.m.), Cat 3 (1:20 p.m.), kid races (2:10 p.m.), Masters 40-plus (2:40 p.m.) and women's pro open (3:45 p.m.).

The main race at 5 p.m. will last 75 minutes.