http://illinoiscycling.org/ The Latest News From the ICA en-us http://illinoiscycling.org/images/logo.gif http://illinoiscycling.org/ Webmaster@IllinoisCycling.org Yes, it's that time of season again when the road bikes make way for those knobby-tired cousins; the cyclocross steed. This year the Chicago Cyclocross Cup has grown in size and ambition. Many of the same courses are back for 2010 though the addition of a few curveballs may await the riders.... index.php?module=Page&func=viewpub&tid=3&pid=131 The Glencoe Grand Prix is home of the AT&T USA Cycling Professional Criterium National Championship, which is part of the USA Cycling Pro Tour .  It is one of two of the highest level Pro level races in the Chicago area this year, the other is the Alexian Brothers Tour of Elk Grove... index.php?module=Page&func=viewpub&tid=3&pid=130 While the ICA does its best to listen to and address the concerns of the cycling community it is sometimes revealed to us where we can do better.  To that end the ICA has created a race feedback system on the website to allow riders to provide the ICA, officials and promoters with some... index.php?module=Page&func=viewpub&tid=3&pid=129 GLENCOE, IL—June 8, 2010--A new eight-corner, 1.3 mile (2.1 km) race course has been unveiled for the AT&T USA Cycling Professional Criterium National Championship, the showcase race at the Glencoe Grand Prix in Glencoe, Illinois. ... index.php?module=Page&func=viewpub&tid=3&pid=128 Well, the spring campaign is just about over and as the weather starts to get hotter (we hope!) so too will the racing.  The ICA has considered this spring to be one of the best thus far with increased racing opportunities, larger fields, better registration and results and improved... index.php?module=Page&func=viewpub&tid=3&pid=127 This weekend at the O'Fallon Grand Prix the 2010 State Road Race Championships were decided.  Welcome your new champions as they have earned the privilege of wearing the champions jersey for the coming year.  Pro 1/2 Zach Reed - Dogfish Racing Team ... index.php?module=Page&func=viewpub&tid=3&pid=126 In July, the ICA will be doing a comprehensive in-depth survey of our membership to dig deep into your thoughts on the sport of competitive cycling in Illinois.  The survey will be sent out to those who are on our official email list, which is now over 1,500 riders strong, so make... index.php?module=Page&func=viewpub&tid=3&pid=125 The ICA Board recently appointed Dave Fowkes, known by many riders and all the Illinois officials as the ICA Technical Director, to a new Regional Technical Commission that has been organized to promote the professional development of officials.  The RTC has been given a comprehensive set... index.php?module=Page&func=viewpub&tid=3&pid=124 The allocation of rooms at the host hotel (Eastland Suites) for the Tour de C-U has been filled. We have arranged for a block of 21 rooms at the nearby Hanford Inn and Suites 2408 North Cunningham Avenue Urbana, IL 61802 (217) 344-8000 The rate for Tour de C-U participants is $40... index.php?module=Page&func=viewpub&tid=3&pid=122 The Illinois Cycling Association strives to provide all cyclists in Illinois with fantastic and safe races, prompt results, a calendar, and a litany of other resources to better the riding experience.  To that end the ICA has invested a lot of time and energy into the... index.php?module=Page&func=viewpub&tid=3&pid=121 With the Illinois Cup underway the ICA would like to remind everyone that race results for Illinois races including Illinois Cup races can be found on the ICA website.  The results database is vast and statistical reports for teams and individual racers can be produced.  The results... index.php?module=Page&func=viewpub&tid=3&pid=116 With the racing season starting this weekend at the Spring Super Criterium the ICA would like to take this opportunity to let the community know about the ICA Twitter account.  The ICA will be using Twitter to post updates about races from the course in an effort to keep all riders abreast... index.php?module=Page&func=viewpub&tid=3&pid=115 For those too anxious to wait for the ICA gears to turn and churn out results in our big database of searchable results ,  the fine team of Half Acre is keeping track of it all with a little help from Google.   Track the results, for now, HERE. index.php?module=Page&func=viewpub&tid=3&pid=114 Your ICA has approved the purchase of two capital expenditures:  an upgraded camera system, and  the purchase of eight high-quality walkie talkies for the officials to use.  Both these purchases will improve rider's experience at the races.  The new camera system will... index.php?module=Page&func=viewpub&tid=3&pid=113 This past Saturday was the Second Annual ICA Awards which honors those both on and off the bike that make great contributions to the sport of competitive cycling. After a nice meal, the attendees heard a presentation by Steve Johnson, CEO of USA Cycling about the state of the sport which was... index.php?module=Page&func=viewpub&tid=3&pid=109 Colorado Springs, Colo. (March 11, 2010) —The USA Cycling Board of Directors elected Bill Peterson as president at its biannual meeting, Wednesday in Colorado Springs. The board of directors of the national governing body for the sport of competitive cycling in the United States also... index.php?module=Page&func=viewpub&tid=3&pid=108 The ICA had a busy weekend with two meetings, one an official's meeting, the other a leadership conference.  The officials had a pre-season planning session on Saturday, March 6, to organize and talk about the season that lies ahead and  go over the registration and results... index.php?module=Page&func=viewpub&tid=3&pid=107 The CEO of USA Cycling, Steve Johnson has agreed to come to Illinois on Saturday, March 13 and spend the day with the ICA.  This all came about with a conversation at the Local Association Summit held in Colorado Springs this past fall.  During one conversation ICA President, Steve... index.php?module=Page&func=viewpub&tid=3&pid=106 This past weekend, the ICA and our officials played host to a C level official's clinic and a motoref clinic that attracted officials from several states, and as far away as Florida.  Leading the motoref clinic was Chuck Hodge who is not only a national commissaire but also works closely on... index.php?module=Page&func=viewpub&tid=3&pid=105 Want to find ways to help your club grow and improve?  How can you make your own events bigger and better?  How can the ICA better serve the competitive cycling community?  Those are just three of the many questions we'll explore during the ICA Leadership Conference on Sunday,... index.php?module=Page&func=viewpub&tid=3&pid=104 Last year, the inaugural ICA Awards had a good showing of cyclists who've earned recongintion from their peers for the accomplishments on the bike.  The ceremony was highlighted by a great talk by Christian Vande Velde who was kind enough to show up after having his best season ever.... index.php?module=Page&func=viewpub&tid=3&pid=103 There has been much speculation about the status of the National Championships once it was learned that Downers Grove had cut the race from their budget.  The good news is that the race will stay in Illinois and near Chicago for 2010.  The official press release from USA... index.php?module=Page&func=viewpub&tid=3&pid=102 In fulfilling the obligations of its bylaws, the ICA had requested to the member clubs that nominations for the board of directors were being accepted.  After receiving those nominations, a slate of candidates was presented to the member clubs for a vote.  There were no contested... index.php?module=Page&func=viewpub&tid=3&pid=101 ICA meetings are on the second Saturday of the month and will run through at least April so this Saturday is the next meeting.  The standard location is the Lisle Police Station at 5040 Lincoln Avenue in Lisle, IL.  This location is about four blocks from the Lisle Metra Station to help... index.php?module=Page&func=viewpub&tid=3&pid=100 Today, the Illinois Cycling Association announced the schedule for the 2010 Illinois Cup Series.  This year's series expands from 12 to 14 races.  The Illinois Cup will start with the traditional series opener, the Spring Super Critierium hosted by Burnham Racing on Saturday March... index.php?module=Page&func=viewpub&tid=3&pid=99 Just putting out a reminder that the 2010 officials classes are coming up in a few weeks. Registration for them is closing on Friday, February 12th so that we have time to coordinate the room and make sure supplies are here for everyone. The weekend of February 20th and 21st we are offering... index.php?module=Page&func=viewpub&tid=3&pid=98 The 2009 State Championship Jerseys are in. They will be available at the ICA meeting coming up on Saturday, February 13th and they will also be available at the ICA Banquet. If you could please email me and let me know if one of these dates for pick up work for you it will help in sorting them... index.php?module=Page&func=viewpub&tid=3&pid=97 The South Chicago Wheelmen have racers and Junior racers with both current success and great potential on our roster. SCW has a rider reimbursement program to encourage racing and placing well with a year-end partial reimbursement of member's race registration fees. Club coaching for training and... index.php?module=Page&func=viewpub&tid=3&pid=96 CHICAGO, ILL. – Burnham Racing is proud to ring in Illinois’ competitive cycling season with the 2010 Spring Super Criterium, slated for Saturday, March 27 at the Blackhawk Farms Raceway in South Beloit, Ill. Now in its third year, the Super Criterium is the highly-anticipated and... index.php?module=Page&func=viewpub&tid=3&pid=95 The 2010 ICA Cycling Calendar has been made live. The races and dates should be set but please keep in mind all listings are tentative until a permit is applied for and approved. To aid riders in planning their seasons we felt that sharing this information now would be helpful even... index.php?module=Page&func=viewpub&tid=3&pid=94 The ICA has opened up the process on how state championship races are chosen. This is in response to the increased number of races in the state and promoters starting to ask about the process to host a championship race. The goal of the ICA is to use a standardized application that will be... index.php?module=Page&func=viewpub&tid=3&pid=93 The ICA has received the nominations for board of directors that, once elected to office, will serve a two-year term starting January 2011. Elections will be held by the end of January 2010 with each member club receiving one vote for each of the five positions. The leadership of each club... index.php?module=Page&func=viewpub&tid=3&pid=92 The League of Illinois Bicyclists is again sponsoring the Illinois National Bicycle Month License Plate Program. Click on the link icon (above) to get the order form. The net proceeds of this program go 100% to improve cycling on Illinois roads. index.php?module=Page&func=viewpub&tid=3&pid=91 The ICA is standardizing the schedule of meetings we hold in the off-season to help everyone plan better. Meetings will be held from 12:00pm-2:00pm on the second Saturday of the months of September, October, November, January, February, March, and April. We have also standardize the... index.php?module=Page&func=viewpub&tid=3&pid=90 From the ICA to the racing community, we wish everyone happy holidays. Many of you may be wishing for a new time trial or cross bike, or maybe just a new pair of racing socks. Whatever your wishes are for the holidays, we hope they come true. One of our wishes is that everyone remembers... index.php?module=Page&func=viewpub&tid=3&pid=89 Many of the competitive cyclists in Illinois and surrounding states look forward to what has become cemented in everyone's mind as the Midwest's Spring Classic. There are some changes for 2010 that we'd like to share with you. First is the route. The route will be a little longer for 2010... index.php?module=Page&func=viewpub&tid=3&pid=88 Please join the Northbrook Cycle Committee at the final NCC meeting of 2009 where track fans will bid farewell to the year and look forward to 2010. The December NCC meeting will take place at the Village Green in Northbrook on December 17th at 7:00 PM (1810 Walters Ave, Northbrook, IL... index.php?module=Page&func=viewpub&tid=3&pid=87 The IL State Cyclocross Championships is scheduled for Sunday, December 6 at Montrose Harbor in the City of Chicago. Turin Bicycle, host establishment and club has assembled an enhanced prize list. The event will carry a cash payout of $1,170 plus additional merchandise prizes. Also... index.php?module=Page&func=viewpub&tid=3&pid=86 Many clubs in Illinois have done great things to support competitive cycling in the past year. There are awards in several categories based not only on the size of your club, but on special programs such as juniors and track to name a few. If you feel your club has done great things in 2009, it... index.php?module=Page&func=viewpub&tid=3&pid=85 Roger DeLanghe passed away at 2:30pm Wednesday, November 18, 2009.  This date also happens to be Roger and his wife Irene's 59th wedding anniversary. The funeral will be Tuesday, November 24, 2009 at 11am in Sterling, IL. Visitation will be Monday, November 23, 2009 most likely in... index.php?module=Page&func=viewpub&tid=3&pid=84 Elections for NCC Officers and Directors will be held at the November 19, 2009 NCC Meeting. If you would like to run for an NCC position, please email the NCC Nominating Committee, Harold Berman ucgatemaster@sbcglobal.net or Dee Dee Scadron,... index.php?module=Page&func=viewpub&tid=3&pid=83 The Illinois Cycling Association (ICA) will be holding elections for the Board of Directors Officer positions. The ICA Board of Directors is made up of 8 officers including 5 electable officers which include President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer and an Officer at Large. Each of... index.php?module=Page&func=viewpub&tid=3&pid=80 All USA Cycling clubs can renew online by following these simple steps: 1) Go to http://www.usacycling.org/myusac 2) Establish an account at no cost if you do not currently have one for your club. 3) Login with name and password 4) Click on Manage USA Cycling Clubs Please contact your... index.php?module=Page&func=viewpub&tid=3&pid=79 This year starts the biennial election process for the board of directors of the ICA.   Andrew Zens from Spidermokey Cycling has offered to be the chairman of the election committee.  The committee requires three members so we need a few more volunteers.  If you are... index.php?module=Page&func=viewpub&tid=3&pid=78 So you think you know your cycling trivia?  Let's see if you know the following without having to use a lifeline.  Hint one is from Illinois: Richard Cortright , Phyllis Harmon , Clayton John , Nelson Vails It's not too late to fly out to Davis, CA to be part of the... index.php?module=Page&func=viewpub&tid=3&pid=77 For 2010 the United States Cycling Federation is proposing some major shifts in the rules that govern Masters and Juniors racing.  Gearing restrictions, aerodynamic equipment and other items are on the table.  It is important for Illinois' representatives to the USCF accurately reflect... index.php?module=Page&func=viewpub&tid=3&pid=75 As the off-season approaches (or is well under way for some) now is the prime time to dig through the cycling closet, garage or pile on the floor for unused, excess, or just unwanted components and equipment.  Surely one can turn to CraigsList and meet many Nigerian Princes, or of course... index.php?module=Page&func=viewpub&tid=3&pid=72 Please find on the attachment link the agenda for the ICA Meeting tomorrow, October 31.  Details on time and location of the meeting is on our calendar page.  All riders are welcome and encouraged to attend- this is your ICA. index.php?module=Page&func=viewpub&tid=3&pid=61 The ICA will host the first fall meeting of 2009 on Saturday, October 31 at 10:00am.  The location is the Lisle Police Station.  After the meeting, we'll head over to a nearby pizza place and enjoy some food and social time.  Agenda to come soon. index.php?module=Page&func=viewpub&tid=3&pid=60 This past season the ICA worked very hard to address the long standing issue of inadequate results management.  Working with Jason Knauff and Julian Baumgartner the officials and ICA Board of Directors assembled a finish-line camera system and a web-based results management database,... index.php?module=Page&func=viewpub&tid=3&pid=59 After almost one full season of use we're happy to say that the ICA website has yet to implode, cause a rip in the time-space continuum, or wreak any other havoc on the fair citizens of the interwebs.  Our results database has been a great success as has the calendar and teams database.... index.php?module=Page&func=viewpub&tid=3&pid=57 Rider reports have come in and the first edition of the Ronald Reagan Criterium was a huge hit.  A great challenging course with wide turns.  Top notch touches like having Velo Tech there and Kenny Labbe to announce helped.  And several of the best area racers made it a fun day in... index.php?module=Page&func=viewpub&tid=3&pid=56 After nearly 7 months of competition from road races, to crits, freezing temperatures to sweltering heat, the season-long competition to determine Illinois' most successful racers and team has come to a close.  The Illinois Cycling Association put forth a schedule that challenged riders... index.php?module=Page&func=viewpub&tid=3&pid=55 The Illinois State Championship Road Race in Willow Springs was a strong success this past weekend, thanks to the hard work of Tower Racing , the Village of Willow Springs, various volunteer groups, and IDOT.  Thank you all!  Before we give results highlights, here are other... index.php?module=Page&func=viewpub&tid=3&pid=54 The 2009 Soldier Field Cycling Series has wrapped up the season and did so with flair.  The last date in the series ended with a raffle for bike frames from a few bike shops including Yojimbo's Garage. The Soldier Field Cycling Series did a really great job to make sure development... index.php?module=Page&func=viewpub&tid=3&pid=51 We are blessed this season to have not one but two training series to hone your skills and find those much needed upgrade points.  One of the series, the Soldier Field Cycling Series has finished it's season, but the other series, South Chicago Wheelmen's Tuesday Series is not over... index.php?module=Page&func=viewpub&tid=3&pid=50 For those of you who rode the Willow Springs Time Trial stage of the Chicago Time Trial Series last year, then you've been on the route that will be the 2009 State Road Race Championship this year.  If there is any location near Chicago that could remind you of being in New England, this is... index.php?module=Page&func=viewpub&tid=3&pid=49 The ICA started 2009 with our first ever membership drive.  We made it as simple as possible.  Membership is free, just fill out a short form, send us your club logo or jersey picture, and your club is a member of the ICA.  How does being a member of the ICA change anything? ... index.php?module=Page&func=viewpub&tid=3&pid=47 Now that the big three national level races are behind us, it is time to turn to what is still great local racing.  First, this Thursday is the Elaine Nekritz Trophy Race at the Ed Rudolph Velodrome in Northbrook.  Focusing on women's racing and providing one of the largest... index.php?module=Page&func=viewpub&tid=3&pid=46 Day one of the Alexian Brothers Tour of Elk Grove gives local riders a chance to race against the pros.  How?  The race starts with a time trial anyone can enter with the proceeds going to charity.  Right after the charity time trial, the pros do their time trial on the same 4.5... index.php?module=Page&func=viewpub&tid=3&pid=45 The Illinois State Road Race Championship is moving the date from Saturday, August 22, 2009 to Saturday, September 12 due to road construction.  The new date is still pending final approval from the local authorities.  There are other exciting things in store for this race but we are... index.php?module=Page&func=viewpub&tid=3&pid=44 Chicagoland's own Jessi Prinner has been selected to complete at the Junior World Championships in Russia!  Jessi was selected as one of only three junior women to represent the United States in August at the UCI Junior World Championships in Moscow. Her team, Athletes By Design and... index.php?module=Page&func=viewpub&tid=3&pid=43 The 2009 edition of Superweek is underway and it should be much better than before. Back in February, representatives of the Illinois Cycling Association met with representatives of the Wisconsin Cycling Association and Breakaway Event Productions, the promoters of Superweek. Our goal coming... index.php?module=Page&func=viewpub&tid=3&pid=42 Every year the cycling community gathers in downtown Peoria, IL. to crown the new State criterium champions.  This year's running of the race saw fantastically high speeds, blistering wind and or course tough competition.  And with the passing of the event the coveted championship... index.php?module=Page&func=viewpub&tid=3&pid=41 Due to lack of pre registration interest, the juniors races scheduled for 9:25am July 12 at the Tour de Champaign South Campus will be canceled.  Instead a seond day of racing for Category 5 will be able to  register for the July 12 races and can do so on July 11 or on... index.php?module=Page&func=viewpub&tid=3&pid=40 With two National Race Calendar events on back-to-back weekends in the Chicago area, many Pro Tour teams will be descending into the Chicago area for the entire last week of July.  Some of those teams benefit from the generosity of local cycling fans to provide a place to sleep and perhaps a... index.php?module=Page&func=viewpub&tid=3&pid=39 There are more and more amateur photographers coming out to bike races every year.  Thanks to the digital revolution a decent SLR style digital camera with one or two lenses can be had for well under $1,000 now.  Many of you have contributed your work to our web site and the photos... index.php?module=Page&func=viewpub&tid=3&pid=38 This weekend is the State Criterium Championship also known as the Proctor Cycling Classic .  State Championship jerseys are on the line for the winners of most races as long as the requirements for a qualifying field are met for each race.  Brought to you by the Peoria... index.php?module=Page&func=viewpub&tid=3&pid=37 The first of six Soldier Field Cycling Series happened last night and was an overall success.  The category 4/5 fields was sold out and in the Pro 1-2 race, Ara Oggoian from Bicycle Heaven took the win in a strong and determined field that saw a six-man break that at one point had about... index.php?module=Page&func=viewpub&tid=3&pid=36 This weekend brings two back-to-back Illinois Cup races .  To make things really rewarding, the winners of every race will win free entries to Superweek. The winners of the Pro 1-2 Men and Womens races will win five free entries to Superweek races.  The winners of every other race will... index.php?module=Page&func=viewpub&tid=3&pid=35 Along with a face lift the new ICA website brings to cyclists several new and powerful tools to the computers of Illinois' cycling community.   The ICA has worked hard to assemble an ever-growing calendar of events.  This calendar includes information about the races, maps to the... index.php?module=Page&func=viewpub&tid=3&pid=34 The Soldier Field Cycling Series starts on Wednesday June 17, 2009 and will continue every other Wednesday through August 26, 2009.  This series is open to all level of riders and focuses on development and junior racing. Junior riders ages 10 through 18 race FREE of charge.  Also... index.php?module=Page&func=viewpub&tid=3&pid=32 Sunday, June 14, 2009 is the date for the Illinois State Junior Track Championship and National Qualifier. This event is sponsored by XXX Racing . For more information, visit the Ed Rudolph Velodrome , or the flyer . index.php?module=Page&func=viewpub&tid=3&pid=31 Once upon a time, about 15 or 20 years ago.  There was a great criterium that was an annual attraction in Dixon, Illinois.  After a long hiatus, Dixon has stepped up to the plate to bring criterium racing back to their city with the Ronald Reagen Criterium on Saturday, September 19.... index.php?module=Page&func=viewpub&tid=3&pid=30 With the 2009 Illinois Cup one-third over, the standings are up-to-date.  The competition has been fierce and the standing reflect just how close some of the competition is.  With as few as a handful of points separating the top placings every race presents an opportunity to climb the... index.php?module=Page&func=viewpub&tid=3&pid=29 Thanks once again to RDS Cycling, another great criterium is about to happen in a wonderful setting at a lake.  Thus is born the Wonder Lake Lakeside Criterium, happening on Sunday, May 31.  A town could not be more aptly named and a place for a criterium could not be more... index.php?module=Page&func=viewpub&tid=3&pid=28 Throughout the winter and spring the ICA has been hard at work on many projects, one of which was the redesign and rebuild of the ICA website.  Built from the ground-up and custom designed to meet the needs of the ICA the new website will be the go-to place for all information related to... index.php?module=Page&func=viewpub&tid=3&pid=26 Three races down, 9 more to go. The Illinois Cup has started off with a wave of enthusiastic participation and with great results. The racing has been competitive and as the season moves along we can only imagine it will continue to heat up! Jason Knauff, the registration and... index.php?module=Page&func=viewpub&tid=3&pid=25 On the eve of the opening spring races the ICA is ready to launch the 2009 season.  With an expanded staff, an enhanced calendar and larger resource base the Illinois Cycling Association expects 2009 to be one of the most competitive seasons thus far. The Illinois cup has been... index.php?module=Page&func=viewpub&tid=3&pid=24