Northbrook Grand Prix Pro/Am Bike Races Return to Downtown Northbrook on Thursday, July 27
The Village of Northbrook is proud to announce the return of the Northbrook Grand Prix on Thursday, July 27, 2023. From 11:10AM to 8:00PM the downtown streets of Northbrook become an exciting Criterium bicycle race course. There are 10 different races featuring both men and women riders in professional and amateur categories, along with a family fun ride. This all-day event attracts over 500 talented riders from across the USA and many other countries as part of the 10-day Chicago Intelligentsia Cup Series.
The Northbrook Grand Prix has no admission fee to view the bike races from anywhere along the route. The 1.1-kilometer race course wraps around downtown Northbrook and the Village Green Park and goes through neighborhood streets with tight corners. This creates a fast, challenging course for riders and is exhilarating for spectators to watch up close!
"Northbrook has a long and storied history with cycling, and this event is a great showcase for downtown Northbrook" said Village President Kathryn Ciesla. "We couldn't be happier to sponsor the 2nd Annual Northbrook Grand Prix and hope everyone in the community comes out to witness the speed and thrills of bike racing through the downtown streets."
"It truly does take a village to create an amazing event like this. We have a great team of volunteers and fantastic sponsors who are critical to bringing a unique event like this to downtown Northbrook," said Robert Paetsch, Chairman of the Local Organizing Committee.
There are plenty of restaurants and venues in downtown Northbrook in which to enjoy the day's festivities. Many are offering food or beverage specials that day, creating a fantastic environment in which to watch the races and cheer on the riders. In addition, the route through the neighborhoods creates an opportunity for families to set up chairs along the parkways and have viewing parties with their neighbors.
A half hour long Family Fun Ride, is scheduled for 6:15PM. This event is between the women's and men's professional races, sponsored by George Garner Cyclery. The Family Fun Ride is open to all ages and abilities and is free to enter. Parents can register their families on race day by 5:00PM at the Volunteer Booth with the Yellow George Garner Tent. Registration is required, along with a helmet worn by each participant.
The Northbrook Grand Prix is sponsored by the Village of Northbrook, Chicago's North Shore Convention & Visitors Bureau, George Garner Cyclery, and atCommunications. Additional support is provided by the Illinois Baseball Academy, LEN Roofing and Remodeling, Cyclebar Deerfield & Wilmette, Michlin Metals, Core Power by fairlife, Sunset Foods, Renee Harlan Reiki Healing Touch, Lewis Floor & Home, Shellé Jewelers, Renta Bike Now, Tamarisk North Shore Community and the Northbrook Park District.
Parking for riders and spectators is available at the Metra train station lot (1401 Shermer Rd.), Grainger lot (1657 Shermer Rd.), Meadowhill Park (1501 Maple Ave.) and Techny Prairie Park (1750 Techny Road).
This event will require road closures and detours around the downtown area. Setup for the event will be on July 27 with road closures beginning at 5:00AM. All streets should be reopened by 11:00PM. The Village of Northbrook will be setting up a detour for Shermer Road traffic, with signage routing cars around the downtown area. Impacted residents and businesses along the race course have been notified of the event and parking restrictions. Any inquiries should be emailed to nbgrandprix@gmail.com.
For more information on the Northbrook Grand Prix and the Family Fun Ride please visit intelligentsiacup.com/schedule/northbrook
Follow the Northbrook Grand Prix on social media for the latest news and information, race-day results, and more:
Facebook: @NorthbrookGrandPrix
Instagram: @NorthbrookGrandPrix
Twitter: @NBGrandPrix