Cycling Classic opens with time trials, charity ride

The pros started off the Alexian Brothers International Cycling Classic Tour of Elk Grove on Friday with a time trial, where riders after staggered starts fly over about a 4-mile course traveling at speeds over 30 mph.

But first, there was charity. A charity ride before the pro men's race benefited the village's soldier memorial fund.

A community block party with music and fireworks followed the racing Friday. A second block party will be held at Ridge Avenue and Elk Grove Boulevard from 7:30 to 10:30 tonight.

The pro men's race continues today with a road stage through Schaumburg and Elk Grove Village at 3:30 p.m. and wraps up with a race on the shorter Elk Grove course on Sunday. Women will compete about 10 a.m. today.

512334Tyler Hamilton, a member of Rock Racing, digs in Friday during the Alexian Brothers Tour of Elk Grove time trials.Daniel White | Staff Photographer <div class="infoBox"> <h1>More Coverage</h1> <div class="infoBoxContent"> <div class="infoArea"> <h2>Video</h2> <ul class="video"> <li><a href="/multimedia/?category=9&type=video&item=197">Cycling classic </a></li> </ul> </div> </div> </div>