Bike racing fans are invited to the 10^th annual Iron Hill Twilight Criterium, set for downtown West Chester on Saturday, Aug. 2.

Spectators will be able to see hundreds of cyclists race at speeds of more than 35 miles per hour through the streets of downtown West Chester for the 7:45 p.m. race.

This year’s event will be the ninth of 10 races in the prestigious USA CRITS Championship Series, making it one of the last opportunities for riders to protect or improve their standings before the final invitational. The action begins and ends at the intersection of Gay and High streets, home of the title sponsor Iron Hill Brewery & Restaurant.

There is an entire day of family event scheduled before the twilight race.  The Rothman Institute Amateur Trials races begin at 8 a.m. at Bayard Rustin High School and will run until 3:45 p.m.

Beginning at 4 p.m. the Kinetic Physical Therapy Community Festival featuring a business bazaar, food stands and activities will take place in downtown West Chester.  WHYY’s “You Bet Your Garden” host Mike McGrath will speak with visitors about lawns and gardens, and there will also be a Market Street block party with food and live music.

There will also be a West Chester Dental Arts Kids Bike Race for children ages 3 to 10, and Tolsdorf Oil Lube Express will run a series of tricycle races at 4:45 p.m.  The Rothman Institute Amateur Men’s Criterium will be at 5:45, followed by the Avante Salon Pro Women’s Criterium at 6:45 p.m.  For a full schedule, see www.ironhillcriterium.com.

Kevin Finn, Mark Edelson and Kevin Davies founded Iron Hill Brewery and Restaurant in Newark, De., in 1996.  The business now has nearly a dozen locations in the Mid-Atlantic region, and they say they are planning for several more. Each restaurant is dedicated to producing and serving top-quality hand-crafted beers and cuisine in a warm and hospitable setting. All are open seven days a week for lunch and dinner.