More than 225 cyclists competed in the Missouri State Criterium Championships in downtown Jefferson City Sunday.
The annual race has categories ranging from beginner to professionals. For the serious cyclists, it serves as a tune-up for the Gateway Cup in St. Louis over Labor Day weekend, said race director Mike Weiss.
"The interesting thing about this type of race is you can have an absolute beginner or a huge star," Weiss said.
One of the "stars" on Sunday was Scott Moninger, one of the top U.S. cyclists. He has the distinction of having won more professional races in the U.S. than any other cyclists, including Lance Armstrong. He added to his victory list on Sunday, with at least one win on the a .85-mile looping course around the Capitol.
Once sponsored by the local Capital City Cycling Club, and the race now is sponsored by Weiss' Big Shark Racing in St. Louis.
Each year, the organization picks a local downtown business to support. This year, they dined at Downtown Diner.
The event was in conjunction with Funday Sunday, family-friendly events, including live music and beverages, in the 200 block of High Street.