Winfield, IL – The final race of the Winfield leg of the 2025 Chicago Grit Criterium Series delivered a thrilling finish Sunday evening, as New Zealander Sam Ritchie (MITOQ – NZ Cycling Project) powered to an unexpected win in the Men’s Pro 1/2 race at Summerfest.

The high-intensity criterium capped off a 10-day racing series across Chicagoland, drawing top talent from around the world. The 24-year-old Ritchie edged out fellow 24-year-old Lucas Bourgoyne (Team Cadence Cyclery pb Encore Wire) and teammate James Wilson (22), sealing a dominant showing for MITOQ.

Crossing the line in 1:14:15, Ritchie credited team morale for the victory. “Yeah mate, definitely my biggest win in the United States,” he said post-race. “We had a good night last night on this week’s court—I think that gave us some good morale heading into today.”

In true criterium fashion, the race featured tight corners, constant attacks, and a fast-moving peloton that kept spectators lining Winfield Road and Beecher Avenue on edge. As Chicago Grit describes it: “Crit racing is like NASCAR on a bike,” and Sunday’s Men’s Pro event fit that billing exactly—ending in a heart-pounding final lap where Ritchie surged ahead.

With the Winfield portion now wrapped, racers and fans look ahead to the next stop: the Tighthead Mundelein Grand Prix.

Readers can learn more about Chicago Grit and view full race results at chicago-grit.com