After a one-year absence, one of my favorite criteriums of the Wisconsin calendar returns Saturday with the Whitnall Park Spring Classic near Milwaukee.

The course is in the same park that Superweek has used for a circuit race, but it’s a shorter loop on the west side.

Each lap begins with a long descent with a sweeping right turn at the bottom. After enjoying the 1.1-mile course‘s only flat section, we turn right and head up three big-ring stairsteps that total 80 feet of climbing. At the top of the last step is the finish line, which in the past has been used for King of the Hill contests. The flier does not indicate whether that will be the case this year.

The course is one that lends itself nicely to breaks, thanks to the difficulty of the climb and the potential to get out of sight. Here’s video from 2008.

The WCA reports that neighbors have complained about rider indecency, so please, be decent. Don’t jeopardize the race because you’re too lazy to find a proper bathroom.

Sunday’s criterium in Fitchburg, Wis., is a bit farther away but also features a hill on one of its sides. I believe this is a new course.

Saturday Whitnall Park Spring Classic USAC criterium Hales Corner, Wis. Distance from Chicago: 1.5 hours Previous wrap-up: 2008

Sunday Fitchburg Fast & Furious Criterium USAC criterium Fitchburg, Wis. Distance from Chicago: 2.5 hours