Northbrook Grand Prix Pro/Am Bike Races to Overtake the Streets of Downtown Northbrook July 28

The Northbrook Grand Prix pro/am bike race is coming to the streets of downtown Northbrook on Thursday, July 28. The Grand Prix is part of the Intelligentsia Cup 10-day road racing series taking place in and around Chicagoland this summer. Race spectators will be close to all the action - the failures, the triumphs - and yes, the crashes!

The day will begin at 10 a.m. on July 28 with junior and amateur categories, and finish before dusk with men's and women's pro races.

"I wanted to bring a race to Northbrook since I moved here six years ago," said Northbrook Park District Commissioner Matt Curin. "The partnership with the Intelligentsia Cup seemed to be a natural fit."

Intelligentsia Cup races are criteriums (or crits) - road races held on short courses through neighborhoods. This makes for incredibly fast races, and ensures a great deal of action as racers must corner quickly (to maintain their speeds) and jockey for position. Northbrook's 1.1 kilometer course wraps around Village Green Park, providing the perfect backdrop to enjoy this fast, challenging event.

Proceeds from this year's Northbrook Grand Prix will support financial aid for families in need at the North Suburban YMCA.

"We chose to partner with the YMCA because of all the programs it provides to all age groups," Curin said. "They don't turn anyone away based on cost. They have a very extensive scholarship fund, and the race is proud to help support that."

"Northbrook has a longstanding history of cycling," added Village President Kathryn Ciesla. "Paired with our commitment to innovation, community engagement, and economic growth, the Intelligentsia Cup is an exciting stride forward. We welcome this new event to Northbrook and look forward to seeing it become a cherished tradition."

Between the final women's and men's pro races, a 30-minute "family fun ride" will allow riders of all ages and abilities to take to the course and enjoy cycling on the streets of downtown Northbrook.

"This is year 10 of the Intelligentsia Cup," Curin said, "and we hope this is the first of many Northbrook Grands Prix!"

Follow the Northbrook Grand Prix on social media for more information about this exciting event coming to our community this summer:

Facebook: @NorthbrookGrandPrix

Instagram: @NorthbrookGrandPrix

Twitter: @NBGrandPrix