Cyclists who want to test their mettle will get the chance on Saturday, Aug. 11 on the campus of Rustin High School during the Rothman Institute Amateur Trials.

This series of nine criterium-style races will start at 8:30 AM and continue until 3 PM and is open to all male and female Cat 2, 3, 4, and 5 riders, as well as masters (35+, 45+, 55+, 65+) and juniors (9-18).

The top riders of these races will be eligible to compete before thousands of spectators in the Rothman Institute Amateur Criterium held at 5:45 PM during the Benchmark Twilight Cycling Classic in downtown West Chester. Cash prizes and merchandise will be awarded to the top finishers.

These qualifying races will be sanctioned by USA Cycling and all USAC rules will apply. Also, all finishing racers will be factored in PAC BAR point scoring. Registration is $20 for Juniors, $35 for all Cat riders. One-day licenses for Cat 5 men and Cat 4/5 women will be available for purchase on site.

Details, registration, and the full schedule of races can be found here.

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Since its inception, the Rothman Institute Amateur Trials has grown in popularity, with nearly 300 riders competing in 2017. Part of this popularity, no doubt, has to do with the many acres of open space surrounding the race course, making it the ideal atmosphere for riders to bring their families and friends.

“It’s not unusual to see folks picnicking and kids playing all over the grounds, but when the riders fly by, everybody cheers,” said Mark Yoder, President of the Greater West Chester Chamber of Commerce, organizer of the Benchmark Twilight Cycling Classic, of which the Rothman Institute Amateur Trials is a part. “We are thrilled to give bike riders of all abilities the chance to compete on race day.”

At 3:30 PM, the first bikes take to the streets at the Benchmark Twilight Cycling Classic for the West Chester Dental Arts Kids’ Race for children between the ages of 3 and 10. Immediately following at 4:30 PM, the popular Tolsdorf Trike Challenge, where adults compete on tricycles, takes place. The series of exciting heats pits businesses, organizations, and any group of five against each other for bragging rights and valuable prizes.

The aforementioned Rothman Institute Amateur Criterium takes place at 5:45 PM followed by the Brumbaugh Wealth Management Pro Women’s Criterium at 6:45 PM. This 40K race will once again attract top pro female riders from around the country and beyond. At 8 PM, one of the most important professional cycling races on the East Coast, the 75K Iron Hill Pro Men’s Criterium, hits the streets of historic West Chester to close out the evening.

The Benchmark Twilight Cycling Classic is sponsored by Benchmark Federal Credit Union.