Elgin Cycling Classic takes a different course
Those spinning their wheels in the Elgin Cycling Classic Sunday can expect a faster course this year that includes five sharp turns and an S curve that goes up a hill.
They also can expect to take the scenic route through Lords Park and its surrounding neighborhood on the milelong, triangular course.
This year, due to an expanded FoxFireFest and ongoing construction in downtown Elgin and the Elgin Historic District, where the race was held last year, organizers moved the event to Lords Park.
Although the course isn't quite as challenging as last year's, the turns and curve are elements that ensure it won't be a cake walk, said Dennis Jurs, the race chairman, director and a participant.
So far, 100 riders have signed for the event in advance, a number that bodes well for organizers.
"We have a fairly good group preregistered," Jurs said. "If that's high, usually your registration will be high overall."
Between 250 and 300 racers are expected to participate in the event that's sanctioned by American Bicycle Racing, a group that promotes and educates people about the sport.
In 2007, rain put a damper on the event attendance wise, but with sunny skies and high temperatures predicted for Sunday, weather shouldn't be an issue this year.
The day kicks off at 8 a.m. with youth bike racers.
Amateur men and women race separately for money and prizes according to their age group at the conclusion of the junior bike races.
Professional cyclists will pedal through the roads of Elgin at 4 p.m. and will be competing for their piece of a $5,000 purse.
The pro field could be wide open for a new champion.
Eric Marcotte, the Minnesota man who won the pro event the past two years, has not yet registered, said Tonya Hudson, executive director of the Downtown Neighborhood Association, which is a race co-sponsor.
As to where the race will be held next year, Jurs says it depends on if the riders like the new course and if the city wants them to closer to FoxFireFest.
On the upside, holding it in Lords Park means fewer police and road closures, better traffic flow and more access to the festival.
"It's kind of a win-win for everybody," Jurs said.
To register or for more information about the event, visit www.elgincyclingclassic.com. You also can sign up for the races Sunday.
Elgin Cycling Classic
Sunday's day-long series of sanctioned bike races through Elgin's Lords Park and the surrounding neighborhood has ribbons, medals and cash prizes for men, women and kids of a variety of ages.
Registration
•Online at ElginCyclingClassic.com.
•Day of event registration starts 7 a.m. in the Lords Park Pavilion in Lords Park.
Fees: $5 more for day-of registration.
Races
Time ... Race
Length ....Fee
• 8 am: Junior 13/15 & 16/18 20min + 2 laps; $10
• 8:30 am: Cat. 5 Men
20min + 2 laps; $20
• 9 am: Cat. 4 Men
40min + 2 laps; $20
•10 am: Women Cat. 4/40
40min +2 laps; $20
•11 am: Master men 40/50 40min + 2 laps; $20
• Noon: Kids races 5/6, 7/8, 9/10, 11/12
1/4 to 1 lap; Free
• 12:30 pm Master Men & Women 60+*
20min + 2 laps; $20
•1 pm: Master Men 30-39 40min + 2 laps; $20
•2 pm: Women Cat. 1/2/3 40min + 2 laps; $25
•3 pm: Cat. 3 Men
40min + 2 laps; $25
•4 pm Pro. 1
2 60min + 2 laps; $35
American Bicycle Racing rules apply.
* Masters men and women 60 + race will include categories 65, 70, 75 and 80+ run together, scored separately.
Directions
Exit I-90 at Route 25, heading south. Take Route 25 (Liberty Street) south to Chicago Street (Route 19). Turn east on Chicago Street to Grand. Turn right on Bode Road to Lords Park Pavilion for registration.
For hotel reservations, see: ElginCyclingClassic.com.