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Tour of Elk Grove joins elite races

The Alexian Brothers Tour of Elk Grove professional men's three-day race has earned the highest ranking — 2.1 — from Union Cycliste Internationale.

UCI is cycling's foremost governing body based in Switzerland. It oversees the prestigious Tour de France and other international cycling races.

The new ranking means Elk Grove Village's competitive men's race is now open to international pro teams that participate in other elite races such as the Tour de France.

“It's very exciting,” said Elk Grove Village Mayor Craig Johnson, who is also the race director. “We now have the ability to invite any team out there.”

The Tour of Elk Grove was sanctioned by UCI for the first time earlier this year, receiving a 2.2 ranking. It is one of six cycling races in the United States to earn that UCI designation.

The 2011 Tour had a record 1,190 cyclists participating, including 52 riders in the women's pro race and 123 riders in the men's pro race, each involving three stages held over three days.

The Tour featured 15 pro/am races and a total prize purse of more than $150,000. It drew an estimated 25,000 spectators over the three days.

“Obviously, UCI was very impressed with our (2011) race,” Johnson said. “This upgrade to 2.1 category status for the men's pro stage race is a glowing recognition of the importance of Alexian Brothers Tour of Elk Grove among the top tier of world cycling events that includes the Tour de France. It is quite a feather in everyone's cap. You can't get any higher. We're there.”

The seventh annual Alexian Brothers Tour of Elk Grove is planned for Aug. 3-5, 2012. The prize money for the men's pro three-day, three-stage race is expected to be among the biggest in professional cycling.

Next year's Tour will have a stronger and bigger field of professional cyclists, Johnson has said.

Rider registration opens in early 2012. For more information, visit tourofelkgrove.com or call the race director at (847) 437-0030.

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