Northbrook approves plan to host one leg of Intelligentsia Cup

This article has been updated to reflect that Northbrook trustees approved a proposal to host one day of the Intelligentsia Cup bicycle race in July 2022.

Hundreds of bicyclists could be racing circles through downtown Northbrook next July if plans to host the Intelligentsia Cup come to fruition.

During a presentation before the village board, Matt Curin of the Northbrook bicycle and pedestrian commission outlined a plan for the one-day bicycle race to take place in downtown Northbrook July 28.

The proposed one-kilometer counterclockwise route would start southeast on Shermer Road, turn left on Meadow Road, proceed to Walters Avenue and then to Church Street before returning to Shermer. Competitors will complete laps over an allotted time in the criterium race format, and there will be multiple race categories.

"The goal of the Intelligentsia Cup is to promote and celebrate cycling with events that are fun for participants and are open to the public, and promote exercise and healthy lifestyle," Curin said.

Starting around 8 a.m., affected streets would be closed for approximately 12 hours each racing day. Curin said organizers have reached out to those who would be impacted by the closures such as businesses and residences, and he acknowledged that responses, while mixed, have been mostly positive.

During the discussion, Trustee Johannah Hebl said she was willing to give the event a try.

"I think this is the type of event that we are really looking for, bringing some energy to the downtown, bringing people to the downtown," Hebl said. "I'm so excited about it."

Village President Kathryn Ciesla also had a positive reaction to the prospect of hosting the race.

"I think the vast majority of Northbrook residents will be happy with this kind of event," Ciesla said. "There's no doubt in my mind that putting 2,000 to 3,000 people in our downtown is going to be positive when it comes to economic impact."

"I think the board has given staff direction to move forward," Ciesla said.

The 2021 Intelligentsia Cup ran July 16-25 with dates in West Dundee, Glen Ellyn, Winfield, Mundelein, Lombard, South Chicago, Elgin, Lake Bluff and Chicago.