Grand Rapids, Mich. (August 20, 2011) – Eric Young (Bloomington, Ind./Bissell Pro Cycling) won a field sprint to win the 2011 Herman Miller USA Cycling Professional Criterium National Championships Saturday in downtown Grand Rapids, Mich.

After the officials shortened the race several times, the race was finally delayed for approximately an hour due to inclement weather. The contest was restarted by officials with 30 laps remaining. Several different riders took turns pulling the pack around the 1.2-kilometer, six-turn course.

In the end, the 23-year-old Young edged Charles Huff (Springfield, Mo./Jelly Belly p/b Kenda) at the finish line to earn his first Stars-and-Stripes jersey. Jacobe Keough (Sandwich, Mass./UnitedHealthcare Pro Cycling) finished third ahead of Isaac Howe (Concord, N.H./Kenda Pro Cycling p/b Geargrinder) and Alexander Candelario (Reno, Nev./Kelly Benefit Strategies).

“It hasn’t set in yet, obviously,” Young said. “It’s an honor to be able to come back next year with Bissell and represent the United States in its colors.”

A large amount of rain poured for approximately 45 minutes onto the course comprised of pavement, blacktop and bricks, creating several areas with shallow puddles of standing water. After the action restarted, the riders continued to race hard, not allowing the rain-slicked course to deter them. The pace continued to grow as the lap count decreased.

Men’s Professional Criterium National Championship
1. Eric Young (Bloomington, Ind./Bissell Pro Cycling Team)
2. Charles Huff (Springfield, Mo./Jelly Belly p/b Kenda)
3. Jacobe Keough (Sandwich, Mass./UnitedHealthcare)
4. Isaac Howe (Concord, N.H./Kenda Pro Cycling p/b Geargrinder)
5. Alexander Candelario (Reno, Nev./Kelly Benefit Strategies)