How to watch pro cycling in the suburbs

Got a cowbell?

That might be something to pack when heading to watch this weekend's Alexian Brothers International Cycling Classic Tour of Elk Grove, the elite bicycling event featuring some some of the world's top racers. Now in its third year, for the first time it includes Schaumburg streets in the course.

Part of the fun of the sport is the crowd, and cowbells are a great way to make some noise and energize the riders, said Loren Mooney, editor-in-chief of Bicycling magazine.

"The louder the better," Mooney said. "The riders can hear you."

With temperatures expected to hit the mid-90s, spectators standing along the course will want plenty of water. Vendors will sell food and water to people who haven't brought their own, and an extra truckload of water has been brought in for the riders, Elk Grove Village Mayor Craig Johnson said.

The Tour of Elk Grove is a criterium, or a race held on a short course. Translation: Lots of tight turns and an increased potential for crashes. This makes it the most fan-friendly type of race since there's never a dull moment.

"You're going to see a lot of bumping, jostling for position and crashes," Mooney said. "It's almost like NASCAR on bikes."

Criteriums have become the most popular type of bicycle race in America because they're so geared toward spectators, said Andrea Smith, spokeswoman for USA Cycling, which oversees American racing.

"You can sit there and have your cup of coffee," Smith said. "It's very unique. It's very American."

It's also the closeness to the action that draws spectators into the race, since just a thin barricade separates them from the riders.

Another thing to remember as you watch the cyclists speed by is the one leading the pack isn't necessarily in first place.

"The rider in front isn't likely the one who wins," Mooney said. "He's the one strategically protecting his team leader behind him."

The top cyclists stay behind to enjoy the advantages of the slipstream. Riding in the draft of the other riders on their team means not having to work as hard, as the cyclists enjoy the reduced air pressure and pull.

"The better guys will work with their teammates and work behind them, so their legs stay fresh and then they break away," said Johnson, the race founder.

The racers will be in packs, so look for the subtleties - which sometimes aren't all that subtle.

"You're going to see a bunch of people riding together. You may see someone break away. The big question is: Will they be able to stay away? You usually see them try to break away in groups and get swallowed up at the front and spit out in the back," Smith said.

In fact, it's possible a rider could be Sunday's overall winner without without having led in any of the three stages.

The main piece of advice for Tour of Elk Grove spectators, said USA Cycling's Smith, is "just watch and enjoy."

Celebrating the Tour of Elk Grove

What: Two nights of a community block party with food and drinks. Fireworks on Friday and Saturday. Free admission.

Where: Ridge Avenue and Elk Grove Boulevard, just west of race's start and finish line. (See map and schedule)

When: 7:30-10:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday

Entertainment: Friday has Underwater People (pop covers of Dave Matthews Band, U2, Barenaked Ladies); Saturday has The Hat Guys (disco, pop, rock covers).

<div class="infoBox"> <h1>More Coverage</h1> <div class="infoBoxContent"> <div class="infoArea"> <h2>Stories</h2> <ul class="links"> <li><a href="/story/?id=224898">Tour of Elk Grove top riders <span class="date">[08/01/08]</span></a></li> <li><a href="/story/?id=224982">Race map and schedule</a></li> </ul> </div> </div> </div>