Crowds gathered on closed streets and sidewalks at Ballard Avenue N.W. and 20th Avenue N.W., spilling out of bars, restaurants and cycle shops to catch the 23rd annual Criterium in Ballard on June 4.

Hundreds of people gathered to witness what’s commonly called the "The Ballard Crit" when hundreds of riders sprint at face-theft speeds on the bumpy streets of Ballard – all for the glory of course and a little cash.

The course is a four-corner, one kilometer gauntlet on bumpy city streets “with a very slight side hill,” and ran from at Ballard Avenue N.W. and 20th Avenue N.W. to a descent on Vernon Place onto Shilshole then to Dock Street and back up Ballard Avenue.

Racers are fast, aggressive and push peddles across the knotty cobblestone of Ballard Avenue and Dock Street; a place where one spectator said “all the action” takes place. By action, he meant a “yard sale” of carbon fiber frames, wheels, limbs and screams.

Luckily, there were no pile-ups this year and no injuries to speak of, but that didn’t deter spectators from congesting that area hoping to “see something” as woman with a camera said.

Race categories included Juniors, Beginner category Men and Women, Intermediate category Men, Masters (35+) Men, Regional category Men, and Elite category Men and Women. Top prizes included $1200 and cycling merchandise.

The danger, speed and determination of the racers is what draws the crowd, but in its 23rd year, the Ballard Crit has many supporters, including Verity Credit Union and Ascent Cycles, a new cycle shop in Ballard at 5221 Ballard Ave. N.W.

In addition, the Ballard Crit also offered a beer garden with proceeds benefiting the Ballard Food Bank. Peddler Brewing (of Ballard) and Locust Cider (of Woodinville) donated the beer.

For full racing results visit http://apexracing.org/ballard-criterium/

Follow www.facebook.com/BallardCrit or @BallardCrit for updates.