The second annual Tour of America's Dairyland presented by Wisconsin Milk Marketing Board kicks off today in Shorewood at 4 p.m. It spans 11 days through as many Wisconsin communities, ending on June 27 with the Downer Classic back here in Milwaukee.

International racers will compete for over $105,000 in cash and prizes and of course the coveted black and white cow print winners jersey. While riders will be competing amongst themselves for the big bucks, the event is totally free to spectators.

The kickoff features, among others, Jack Hirt, the executive director of the Tour of America's Dairyland, Tom Schuler, co-founder of the Tour and former U.S. Olympic Cyclist, and reigning 2009 Tour of America's Dairyland Pro Men Overall champion, Chad Hartley (Fox Point, WI) of team Kenda Pro Cycling presented by GEARGRINDER. Jessie MacClean (Australia), who rides for Verducci/Breakaway will also be there to defend her 2009 title, as well.

Surrounding the high-energy bike racing will be family activities, live entertainment, food and drink and official Tour of America's Dairyland merchandise, part of which will be benefiting Racers Against Childhood Cancer.

The Shorewood Criterium, the first race in the series, is actually in its seventh annual run but has now been incorporated into the tour.

The race starts at 4:30 p.m. by The Cornerstone at the corner of Oakland Avenue and Kensington Boulevard. The race will be run on a short course with the racers riding laps for 60 minutes followed by a final five laps. The first rider to cross the finish line on the final lap wins.

Times will be totaled over the course of the eleven days until the final overall leader crosses the finish line with the shortest total time. There will be sponsored sprint points periodically through the race with riders duking it out to grab a little extra bonus cash called Primes (pronounced 'Preemz').

Kids between the ages of 3 and 7 can participate in a Junior Bike Roll taking place between the women's and men's races.

While the Shorewood event will feature Men's and Women's Pro races only, all remaining venues will feature Women's Cat 3/4 (that is, women who race in category levels 3 and 4), Pro Women 1/2/3, Men's Cat 4/5, Cat 3, Masters 1/2/3/ 35+ (that is, masters aged 35 and older), Masters 4/5 35+, and Pro Men 1/2 races. Juniors races will also be featured during the closing weekend on Downer Avenue and in Waukesha.

Be sure to keep coming back to OnMilwaukee.com for more updates and interviews as the Tour of America's Dairyland progresses.

The Complete 2010 Tour of America's Dairyland Schedule:
June 17: Shorewood Criterium Cycling Classic presented by Tim Hart D.D.S., Jesse Smith D.D.S. and Jerry Pearce, Rainbow Jersey Bicycles.

June 18 -- Thiensville Fiddleheads Coffee Criterium
June 19 -- Giro di Grafton (part of USA Crits Series)
June 20 -- Appleton Criterium presented by Ganther Construction and Outdoor Outlet
June 21 -- Elkhart Lake Road Race at Road America
June 22 -- Sheboygan Harbor Centre Bike Race and Family Day
June 23 -- Trek Waterloo Classic
June 24 -- Greenbush Road Race
June 25 -- Fond du Lac Bicycling Gran Prix
June 26 -- ISCorp Downer Classic
June 27 -- Waukesha Carl Zach Cycling Classic