Elmhurst Provides Local Stage for Cycling Series Friday

Amateur and professional cyclists from near and far will race a loop around Elmhurst College today, Friday, July 19, for the Elmhurst leg of the Prairie State Cycling Series. And, while this won't make life easier for those driving near Elmhurst College, it will be quite a sight—and anyone can watch for free.

The Prairie State Series began last weekend and is an eight-day event on USA Cycling's National Criterium calendar. The series takes place in Illinois and Wisconsin, but its riders come from as far away as Russia and Germany. 

For the first time, the cyclists will take the Elmhurst stage, beginning at 11 a.m. at Wilder Park. Spectators can watch racers of all skill levels—novice to World-class professional—from the course sidelines.

Amateur men, women and juniors will race throughout the day. The women's professional race will begin at 4:40 p.m., followed by a Family Fun Ride at 5:50 p.m. The 90 minute pro men's race will begin at 6:30 p.m. and will include a number of international riders.

London-Olympian Evgeny Kovalev of Russia won Stage 1 of the series in Wisconsin after a sprint finish that suited his Olympic Track expertise. In Crystal Lake last Sunday, Robert White of Wisconsin won the Pro Men’s race. It's anyone's guess who will be victorious on the Elmhurst course.  

A criterium is a high-intensity, spectator-friendly race where athletes repeat numerous laps around a 1-mile course. The Elmhurst loop will start and finish at Wilder Mansion.

The following city streets around Elmhurst College will be closed all day Friday for the races:

The race course:

• Elm Park between Prospect and Grace
• Grace between Elm Park and Alexander
• Alexander between Grace and Prospect
• Prospect between Alexander and Elm Park

Additional street closures:

• Prospect between Claremont and Elm Park
• Hagans between Claremont and Elm Park
• S. Grace between Winthrop and Elm Park
• Elm Park between Fairfield and Grace
• Utley between Fairfield and Grace
• Alexander between Fairfield and Grace
• Myrtle between Walter and Alexander
• Prospect between Elmhurst Library Southern Entrance and Alexander
• Church between Cottage Hill and Prospect

Free, secure bike parking will be provided by the Elmhurst Bicycle Task Force and Elmhurst Park District.

Can we expect another sweltering day?

National Weather Service says it will be hot and partly cloudy with a high of 90 degrees. A few thunderstorms might develop late in the day; chance of precipitation is 40 percent after 6 p.m.

Do you plan to participate in or watch the debut of the Elmhurst leg of the Prairie State Cycling Series? Let us know in the comments.