Pro bike race series rides into Mundelein July 19
A nationally renowned bicycle race series called the Intelligentsia Cup will make a stop in Mundelein on Monday, July 19, for a day of amateur and professional racing.
Downtown Mundelein will be transformed into a bicycle racecourse and festival grounds. Beginning at 10 a.m. and running until 8:15 p.m., there will be 10 races in various rider categories ranging from juniors to professionals in men's and women's categories.
The races will take place on a short circuit racecourse along Seymour Avenue, Hammond Street, Chicago Avenue and Park Street. Additional roads in the vicinity will be closed to vehicular access. Spectator parking is in the Metra lot that can be accessed from N. Chicago Avenue and also from Division Street.
Organizers anticipate 500 racers and team members to participate in the event. The village is planning for hundreds of spectators to watch the races and participate in the festival offerings.
Amateur races begin at 10 a.m., with each subsequent race increasing in difficulty, leading into the men's and women's professional races in the evening.
"Mundelein's course design will make for exciting racing, with both technical sections and a wide finish stretch," according to the Intelligentsia Cup race organizers.
Mundelein staff and race volunteers have planned activities for the entire family for this free community event. Some of the day's activities include a beer garden, children's games, art activities, food vendors, live music, live racing and more.
To add to the community spirit, Mundelein Park and Recreation District is hosting a "Community Ride" from 6:15 to 6:30 p.m. on the racecourse to give everyone the opportunity to experience the thrill of riding their bicycles on an actual cycling racecourse.
"We are delighted to welcome the Intelligentsia Cup community to Mundelein. We've planned an exciting full day of family-oriented activities to help make this event a truly special day for both the community and competitors," Mayor Steve Lentz said in a news release.
"We're looking forward to welcoming everyone and showcasing everything Mundelein has to offer. We're honored to have been selected as a host community."
Taylor Wegrzyn, village planner and race liaison, said he's an avid cyclist who has participated in and attended a few Intelligentsia Cup bike races in other communities, and knew Mundelein would embrace this event.
"The excitement is building and everyone we talk to about the race shares our enthusiasm. We are looking forward to a full day of thrilling racing and fun activities for the entire family," Wegrzyn said.
"I'm grateful to the Intelligentsia Cup race organizers for their guidance behind the scenes and to all our enthusiastic volunteers and community partners. It's going to be an event that people throughout Lake County and beyond will visit Mundelein to enjoy."
The Intelligentsia Cup is one of the biggest cycling events in the nation, and is one which elite racers are always sure to circle on their calendars.
Racers from across the U.S., as well as Canada, Spain, Belize, Italy and Mexico will participate.
"In particular, the pro races are filling up quickly with some of the biggest names in the sport. Whether you know the names or not, it's not every day that you get to watch professional athletes compete in your own hometown," Wegrzyn said.
The race series travels to eight suburbs before concluding July 25 in Chicago.