Glen Ellyn OKs new event in Intelligentsia Cup cycling series

A series of cycling races is on track to bring hundreds of professional athletes to Glen Ellyn this summer.

Village trustees this week approved a permit for Intelligentsia Cup organizers to resurrect a spectator-friendly course from a 1970s-era race around Lake Ellyn.

"The course that is being proposed here is very distinguishing from any of the other courses on the circuit," former pro Ben Raby said earlier this month.

What sets the Tour of Lake Ellyn apart? Twists, turns, elevation changes and picturesque views around the neighborhood park, organizers say.

Now in is fifth year, the Intelligentsia Cup is billed as one of the largest cycling series in the country. Anywhere from 300 to 600 cyclists compete at each of the venues in the series every July.

In Glen Ellyn, the criterium-style races will start at Lenox Road and Linden Street. Besides the competition, spectators enjoy a "festival atmosphere," with area businesses offering food and beverages, Raby said.

Festivities are set to run from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday, July 16.

"It's really a celebration of cycling, very family-friendly," said Tom Schuler, an Intelligentsia Cup partner and former Olympian.

Pros in afternoon races would top speeds of 30 mph around the lake, head south past Glenbard West High School on Crescent Boulevard, travel northeast on Lake Road and eventually finish back at Lenox and Linden.

Those top athletes would log just shy of 50 miles in laps around the course; amateurs will compete in shorter races. Organizers also are gearing up for either a "kids fun" or family ride. Registration has not yet opened.

Several neighbors have voiced concerns about access to their homes in emails to the village. Since then, organizers have agreed to allow residents to move their cars in and out of their driveways during two roughly 30-minute "intermissions" late morning and afternoon. Lenox Road driveways, however, will remain closed during the second intermission.

In addition, the village will reserve satellite parking for residents who live along the route. In advance of the races, they will receive permits to display in windshields and park on the following streets: Oak Street, from Lenox to Grand Avenue; Linden, from Park Boulevard to Lenox; Hawthorne Boulevard, from Park to Lenox; and Lenox, from Essex Road to Oak.

Trustees earlier questioned whether one lane of Crescent Boulevard could stay open during the Tour. But organizers and village trustees decided to keep all lanes of Crescent closed to maintain safety for pedestrians and spectators.

The village also expects to bill organizers about $4,000 to pay for overtime costs from police and public works crews staffing the event.