Category Archives: News
Criterium State Championship Vote
Hi Again!
We have 2 submissions for the 2025 Criterium Illinois State Championship. All registered teams get one vote. Voting will be today Feb 19th, and last until Feb 27th. The two submissions are:
Please see their submissions below. Please have your team captain vote by emailing the ICA Board – ilcyclingassociation@gmail.com
Edwardsville:
Edwardsville is excited to host its 3rd IL Cup event August 16th, 2025. Our 2024 race was much smoother sailing including the addition of a dedicated awards area with a backdrop. I only see continued upside for racers and officials with our participation.
I would like to throw our hat in the ring for hosting the Criterium State Championships, Saturday, August 16. This is year 15 for the Edwardsville Rotary Criterium.
I have an exciting update for this year’s Edwardsville Criterium. Due to construction on Main St., our normal course is not available for 2025. That said, I have been working closely with the City of Edwardsville on an alternative course. We have been granted permission to move ahead by IDOT on the detour. We have the blessing of Police and Public Works for the new course. It is a relatively flat course with wide turns. It is highlighted by the City Park in the NE corner. This park is the host to most Edwardsville festivals and is capable of holding thousands of spectators who will be enjoying the racing, live music, family activities, food/beverages. As you know, Edwardsville is know for having one of the best spectator environments for Criterium racing.
Edwardsville for many years was known for providing evening and night racing. We are bringing that schedule back for this year and I’m sure it will be well received from both the racing community, and spectators. Last years geo fencing data showed 5,500 people in and around the course during racing hours. I would expect that number to increase given the shift in the schedule. I’m anticipating a 3:00 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. race period.
There is an egress as noted on the map in red. This will have full time police monitoring allowing traffic to pass in and out of the course. We normally have ample course marshals and this year will be no exception. This egress will be necessary with several businesses within the course and a few residential units. This will also allow racers and their support crews access to interior parking lots closer to registration. Kansas runs through the course, and I’m anticipating establishing a Team Street where tents can be pitched in a closed off corridor. It should be a great gathering area. The park itself is filled with large shade trees and the lawn will make for an ideal cooling area.
Racing is counter clockwise with the start/finish noted in red on Buchanan. This is a great spectator viewing spot. It’s over 200 meters from turn 4 to the finish line, and plenty of distance from the finish line to turn 1.
Frankie Andreu returns as the race announcer.
Finally, as I noted during the Race Directors meeting on February 9th, we will purchase jerseys for the winners.
Thank You,
Brian Mulhall
2025 Edwardsville Criterium Race Director
Elmhurst:
We respectfully submit the June 7, 2025 Elmhurst Cycling Classic for Criterium State Championship venue.
We believe the Elmhurst Cycling Classic represents a great venue and location for the State Championship designation. We have created a schedule, an arena, and a reputation worthy of the designation. Our all-volunteer team is working hard to make this a fan-packed, exciting day of racing and family fun. Some highlights:
- Payouts – We have attractive payouts that make Elmhurst an exciting, competitive venue. And we kept our registration fees substantially below that of other big events.
- Primes – As of early January, our crowd prime for P 123 men and women each is $375, and other races have exciting primes as well. Great partners engaged Elmhurst including NASCAR Chicago Street Race whose sponsorship includes 2 primes valued at $400 each!
- Field equality – We seek a balanced schedule and we do not discount our payouts based upon racer attendance.
- Schedule – For 2025 we added two elite races to the Elmhurst Twilight Mile so competitors can bring family or friends who want to compete on the same 1-mile course. Plus, our goal is to have cyclists racing in front of big crowds!
- IL Cup – We applied to be in the Illinois Cup and adjusted our schedule to reflect necessary categories.
- Venue – The race circles scenic Elmhurst University and is next to Wilder Park. Families will have plenty to do, including park attractions and a Beer Garden at Wilder Mansion (Beer, and yes, an actual garden).
- Spectators – The return of the Elmhurst Cycling Classic has been met very positively by the City and residents, and we increased our advertising budget to draw fans throughout the day. For teams with a corporate sponsor, this is a fantastic opportunity to highlight their sponsor’s brand in front of spectators.
- Residents – The residents on the course welcome the racers. We have identified some homes that want the racers to stop by their party after they race.
- Logistics – We are easily accessible off 294/290, and have a ton of parking on the course (Elmhurst University). There will be food, neutral support, hotel blocks at a discount, and we are working on a hospitality tent for athletes. We anticipate this being a draw from all of Chicagoland, but also WI, MI, IN, IA, OH and more.
- Omnium – We are pleased to announce we have combined efforts with South Chicago Wheelmen’s Cobb Park Criterium again. That race is Sunday June 8.
- Jersey’s – We will supply State Championship jerseys as well as field winner jerseys again in 2025.
Our mission – The Elmhurst Cycling Classic is the premier fundraising event of DuPage Cycling Foundation, a 501(c)(3) charitable organization. Nobody on our board, race committees nor Team EMC2 take any money from this event. It is a fundraiser that seeks to:
Offer a healthy lifestyle event for the area, whether bike racing, running, or fun ride
Bring the community together, and that includes the cycling community and the residents
Raise money for charity. Any surplus funds are put back into the community through charities that help those in need. Nobody on EMC2 nor DuPage Cycling Foundation takes any compensation. We are doing all this to give back to the athlete community and to charity.
On behalf of EMC2, the DuPage Cycling Foundation, and Elmhurst, thank you for your consideration.
State Championships Submission Update
Hi Everyone!
Thank you to the teams/groups that have submitted for State Championships.
We will have a vote starting tomorrow for the State Criterium Championship. See tomorrows post for details.
For the following other disciplines, here is where we currently stand:
Road Race: No submission. ICA is looking and working with cities to host in August/September time frame with the intention this will be the State Championship. If you know of any teams, promotors, or venues that may work, please reach out.
Gravel: Little Apple is the only submission. We will proceed with them hosting the State Championship.
Time Trial: No current submission, but we have a team and location that wants to put on a State TT.
Mountain Bike: Highly likely we have a venue, date, and organization prepared to host in summer. Stay posted.
Track: Ed Rudolph Velodrome. Please refer to their website for details and schedule.
Cyclocross: We will look for submissions this summer. Stay tuned.
Please reach out with any questions. An email will go out plus post here and on socials for Criterium vote.
Thank you!
Illinois State Championship Jersey Store – Coming Soon
Hi Everyone,
As you may know, we do not receive the same level of funding to provide State Championship Jerseys to all winners. However, we recognize the interest in purchasing a jersey to commemorate your achievement.
We’re excited to announce that we are working with Pactimo to open the Illinois State Championship Jersey Store for a limited time this April. This will allow past winners from all categories to purchase a championship jersey. The store will reopen in the future after more championship races(end of 2025).
If you won a state title and would like to order a jersey, please email the ICA board with the following details: ilcyclingassociation@gmail.com
- Your name
- Category and race you won
- Desired quantity of jerseys
Both short-sleeve and long-sleeve options will be available. Once the store opens, you will receive a link to place your order. We empower you to wear your jersey in the category you won until the next Championship takes place!
Thank you for your patience and support!
2025 State Championships
The 2025 season is quickly approaching!
Applications for the 2025 State Championships are now open. Races can put their name in the hat for selection by sending an email to ilcyclingassociation@gmail.com and including their race name, date of event, a flyer if available, and a couple of paragraphs that will be sent to all voting teams for consideration. The following championships are now open for application through Feb 17th, 2025:
Criterium
Road Race
Mtb
Gravel
Time Trial
Voting will then take place from Feb 19th through Feb 26th. Each registered club with USA Cycling will be allowed 1 vote as a club. The board of the ICA will be allowed to vote as a “club” with a total of 2 votes (discussed and confirmed during the last open board meeting). Due to the ongoing low number of races applying we will forego having a State Championship Committee for 2025.
Track championships will once again be a part of the programs at the Ed Rudolph Velodrome. Refer to https://www.northbrookcyclecommittee.org/ for any pertinent information as it develops throughout the season.
We will open applications for the 2025 Cyclocross State Championship in June 2025.
Illinois Cup races will be discussed at the Race Directors Meeting Feb 9th. Participation in the Illinois Cup will be opened at a later date. Stay tuned!
ICA Race Directors Meeting 2025! February 9th
Hi Everyone!
We are excited to announce the ICA Race Directors meeting for 2025. It will be hosted at the Kane County Fairgrounds during the Chicago Bike swap.
All are welcome. We will cover information that race directors will find useful for the upcoming season. New or perspective race directors or even club members looking to learn information to take back to their club are welcome. This will also act as the Monthly meeting for the ICA. No normal meeting 2nd Wednesday. Bike swap link: https://www.chicagowinterbikeswap.com/
Kane County Fairgrounds, 525 S. Randall Road, St.Charles Illinois 60174
Prairie Events Center, Upstairs, Main Room.
“As you enter the building, turn left and take the elevator or staircase to the second floor. The meeting will be held in the main room on the second floor.”
Topic: ICA Race Directors Meeting & Monthly meeting
Time: Feb 9th, 2025 11:00 AM Central Time (US and Canada)
Illinois Cycling Association is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84802395579?pwd=SUpQcGU4U2srYXo4N1k2VUcwcitBQT09
Meeting ID: 848 0239 5579
Passcode: 312847
Find your local number: https://us02web.zoom.us/u/kn3dd1PQu
2025 ICA Board Election Results
The results are in and thank you to the many teams who voted. I am excited to see all the enthusiasm for the future of the sport here in all of Illinois. Your current board is below with new members in Italics:
President: Rage Thomas – Okay Cycle Club *New
Vice President: Michael Kelly – South Chicago Wheelmen
Treasurer: Brenda Feehery – South Chicago Wheelmen
Secretary: Tyler Bartley – Indigo Cycling *New
At-Large: Robby Kanyur – Okay Cycle Club *New
We will begin transitioning immediately. As president for the last 7 or 8 years I would like to personally thank all those that helped us keep it all running through the downturn in participation, the pandemic, as well as the myriad of burning issues of the day throughout that period. Those still unaware the purpose of the ICA is to act as the local arm of USA Cycling in the State of Illinois. Award State Championships, the Illinois Cup, assign officials to every race in the state, and provide and maintain all of the equipment we provide such as laptops and printers for registration, finish line camera system, radios for all officials, and more.
Reminder: The annual Race Director’s Meeting will be held on Feb 9 at the Chicago Winter Bike Swap. Details to follow here.
2025 ICA Board Election – Candidates and Open Voting
*** If you won a State Championship last season and would like to purchase a State Championship jersey please email ilcyclingassociation@gmail.com for a link to the Pactimo store. That store will close soon.
The following are a list of the open positions on the board for the 2025 and 2026 years. Statements from each candidate will follow. Voting begins today and will end Tuesday Jan 21 at midnight. Each USA Cycling Registered Club can vote once in the election. A vote is a whole ballot. A reminder that this is done to help prevent any single large club with many members making all of the decisions for the whole state. Please submit votes in writing to ilcyclingassociation@gmail.com
President
Rage Thomas – Okay Cycle Club
Kai Luan – Indigo Cycling
At Large
Robby Kanyur – Okay Cycle Club
Mark Wilson – Half Acre Cycling
Secretary
Tyler Bartley – Indigo Cycling
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President
Rage Thomas – Okay Cycle Club – “As a passionate cyclist and advocate for the entire Illinois cycling community, I am excited to run for President of the Illinois Cycling Association.
I grew up in Saint Charles, Illinois, and now call Chicago home, but I know Illinois cycling extends far beyond the Chicagoland area. I am committed to representing and supporting riders, clubs, and races from every corner of the state.
As an active member of Okay Cycle Club, I have served as Race Director, managing logistics and organizing our team and friends at racing events. My personal racing experience reflects my dedication to the sport: In 2024, I participated in 18 cyclocross races across 11 venues, 30 criterium races, and many Thursday night track events at the Ed Rudolph Velodrome. These experiences have given me a deep understanding of what riders and organizers need to succeed and thrive.
Outside of cycling, I am proud to be an Eagle Scout, a distinction that instilled in me the values of leadership, service, and perseverance—qualities I bring to every challenge. Professionally, I serve as the Director of Alliances & Partnerships at Nopal Cyber, a cybersecurity startup.
As President, I aim to foster a more inclusive and connected cycling culture in Illinois, encourage increased participation in races, and provide greater support for clubs and event organizers statewide. I also envision a more active ICA website, an enhanced social media presence, and improved collaboration across teams to create a better cycling experience for everyone in Illinois.
Let’s work together to continue building a vibrant, dynamic, and accessible bicycle racing community across Illinois. Thank you for your consideration.”
Kai Luan – Indigo Cycling – “In 2024, I served as the Secretary of the Illinois Cycling Association (ICA), a position I am stepping down from in order to pursue the Presidency. My vision as President is to grow cycling both as a competitive and recreational sport, expand the demographic of riders across the state, increase the organization’s transparency and communication, and ensure that clubs and individual cyclists have greater access to resources and support that they need.
During my time as Secretary, I took proactive steps to enhance the recognition, accessibility, and transparency of the ICA. I regularly circulated meeting summaries from our monthly board meetings to local club leaders to keep them informed. I also launched the ICA’s Instagram account to connect with a broader network of cyclists both within Illinois and nationwide. By attending the national Local Association meetings, I connected with leaders from other state cycling associations, learning from their experiences to help improve the ICA’s operations.
As an active cyclist, I’ve been deeply involved in the local cycling community. My cycling journey began in an Illinois collegiate cycling program, where I recognized the importance of mentorship. This led me to help organize my first race, Monsters of the Midway. Since then, I have served as Race Director for numerous other events, including nationally recognized criteriums like the Intelligentsia Cup/Chicago Grit – Fulton Market race. I am still a passionate and competitive racer, currently holding the US Paracycling Road Race and Time Trial National Champion. I continue to race locally and nationally, and my experience at both levels have provided me with invaluable insights into what is needed to run successful events and grow strong, sustainable cycling clubs.
Additionally, I am a co-founder and the current President of Indigo Cycling. Despite completing only our first year, we have already made a significant impact on the local Chicago cycling scene. We’ve organized practice races, led group rides, and hosted fundraising events, including providing race grant funding to numerous cyclists. For 2025, we’ve partnered with Rough Road, Barry Roubaix, and Mid South to promote paracycling participation on the national level.
I believe the ICA has the potential to play a greater role in fostering a thriving and inclusive cycling community in Illinois. With my experience as a race director, active racer, and leader within the cycling community, I am confident that I can help guide the ICA towards new opportunities for growth, collaboration, and greater support for all cyclists. On your left and have a good day!”
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At Large
Robby Kanyur – Okay Cycle Club – “My name is Robby Kanyur, and I live on the northwest side of Chicago in a neighborhood called Humboldt Park. I started riding bikes as a teenager in the mountains of Arizona. Back then, I was seeking freedom and adventure. As an adult, I continued to bike as a form of exploration and recreation – and eventually, as a way to get from point A to point B.
My first bike race unlocked a whole new world for me. I loved feeling like a beginner again, trying different disciplines, and ultimately finding one I fell in love with. Racing bikes has brought me friendship, competition, fitness, and camaraderie.
But for me, the best part has been watching my partner and my friends discover their own reasons to love bikes. To watch them line up for their first cyclocross race, slide down the side of a muddy hill, and ride up to me after the race, grinning. Seeing them line up again the next week. And the week after that.
The more I race, the more I appreciate how much time and effort has been dedicated to competitive cycling in Illinois. I want to contribute to that however I can – preserving the work that has already been done, and finding new ways to welcome and support the next generation of racers.
I am excited and proud to accept this nomination and would be grateful for your vote.”
Mark Wilson – Half Acre Cycling – “Where I would add to the board as Officer at Large is through my strengths as an individual, listening to other’s points of view and building consensus. I welcome suggestions and would work with the board and ICA membership to look at ways to increase event participation. As with most projects, sustainable results do not usually come overnight or without effort. I’m willing to put in that effort to support the board and ICA membership knowing that we may see only incremental shifts in participation over the course of my term.
I am confident I can also faithfully execute the current duties of organization and administration for the Illinois Cup having been responsible for managing large projects as part of my career. Always looking to learn, I would seek guidance from the outgoing officer to transition the current responsibilities.
Should I be elected to serve on the board, my focus would be on how to best serve our membership. While I cannot promise every suggestion will be acted upon, I will hear out and consider suggestions made in good faith and be willing to explain why particular actions were or were not taken.”
—-
Secretary
Tyler Bartley – Indigo Cycling – “I’m running for Secretary of the Illinois Cycling Association because I believe in building a cycling community that reflects the full spirit of Chicago: diverse, resilient, and ever-evolving. I want to help amplify voices that haven’t been heard enough, support grassroots events that bring riders together, and ensure that cycling in Illinois grows in both participation and inclusion.
My journey in Chicago’s cycling community began in 2016 with a simple goal: to ride. I joined group rides with Spider Monkeys, Johnny Sprockets, and Rapha, and quickly realized that cycling in Chicago specifically was rarely just a solo pursuit — it was about connecting with others. After my first year riding with Rapha, I took on the role of ride leader, a position that gave me the privilege to meet riders of all skill levels and aspirations. It showed me firsthand how passionate Chicago’s cycling scene is — and how much potential we have to grow together.
In recent years, my focus has shifted toward building the kind of cycling community I want to see. Together with Kai and others, we’ve worked to foster a more inclusive, accessible, and diverse cycling culture in Chicago. That means more people on bikes, more representation at all levels of the sport, and more opportunities for riders to participate and thrive.
One initiative I’m especially proud of is the Steelworkers Park Crit Series, which brought racing to the South Side in 2024 — and we’re already working to bring it back in 2025. I’ve also
helped create a race grant aimed at increasing access for Chicago and Midwest riders, ensuring more athletes can show up, race, and succeed.
There’s more to be done — so let’s keep building the future of Illinois cycling, together.”
——
2025 ICA Board Elections
The following positions are open for nominations for board positions this spring.
President, At-Large, and Secretary
President: I (Robert Curtis) have held the position of President for 7 years. I am eager to help transition the position to a new individual. As most know I don’t plan to simply walk away and will continue to provide support to anyone who decides to pick up the role.
At-Large: This role has been held by Chad Briggs for roughly 8 years. At Large is currently responsible for organizing and administrating the Illinois Cup. Chad is excited to help transition this role- easily bringing someone new up to speed quickly.
Secretary: This role has been vacated in lieu of pursuing other positions so it also is up for election this time around.
All roles are 2 year commitments. Nominations can be sent to ilcyclingassociation@gmail.com and must be submitted by end of day 1/14/25. At that time the prepared statements of all those pursuing office will be posted on the ICA website for review and voting will commence take place over the following week (ending at midnight on 1/21/25).
Please reach out if you are interested and would like to know more about any of the positions.
2024 Cyclocross State Championship Bidding Open
The ICA is now accepting bids for the 2024 Cyclocross State Championships. Any race wanting to be considered has until Wednesday June 26 to fill out the application.
Races will then be present in order for a vote to take place. As before all teams/clubs have a single vote each. The club system is responsible for all races that take place in the state. It was reaffirmed at the board meeting on 6/12/24 that by choosing not to participate in the club system, unattached riders are sacrificing their opportunity to participate in deciding what club’s race will be state championship. If you are currently unattached and want to be heard we encourage you to find and join a club. There is a tool at USA cycling that will help you find a club
Also the ICA is in fact also a club within the USA Cycling system and if nothing else will work then unattached riders do have the option of “joining” the ICA club within USA Cycling. They are then asked to send their “vote” for consideration in to the ICA email at ilcyclingassociation@gmail.com
Questions can be sent to the same email address.
2024 State Championships Update
The votes have been tallied. The Elmhurst Cycling Classic on June 8, 2024 will be our State Criterium Championship.
We have added a State TT championship as there is now 1 TT scheduled under USA Cycling for the year under the Autobahn Omnium. The following are our current State Championships for 2024
TT: Autobahn Omnium hosted by South Chicago Wheelman March 30/31
Criterium: Elmhurst Cycling Classic June 8th
Gravel: Little Apple, August 4, Manhattan, IL
A note on voting: when we have voting for State Championships we allow 1 vote per team. We do this to help balance out the state. The overwhelming majority (at times upwards of over 80%) of licensed racers in the state live in the greater Chicagoland area. At times some of the teams in that area have been so large (some of the largest in the country) that if we allowed individual votes we might as well simply ask those teams what they want as their numbers would decide the outcome on their own. By making the vote 1 vote per team we are effectively reducing the large teams into a single and equal vote.
If as an individual you feel that your voice isn’t being heard then we highly encourage you to join a club/team so that you may help that team to vote when it comes time.
Participation in this year’s vote was low enough that the board refrained from voting.
Speaking of the board we have a new Secretary: Kaiwen (Kai) Luan (Indigo Cycling)
Also here’s a reminder regarding State Championship Jerseys. USA Cycling took steps about 3 years ago to massively change the funding each Local Association receives. The old model used to include getting a portion of each license payment. Under the new system a small portion of each rider day is sent to the LA. This has effectively cut the funding of the ICA to a small fraction of what used to be received. It no longer allows for us to pay for a free jersey for every single State Championship winner and still be able to maintain the LA resources such as the reg computer, 2 way radios used at each event, finish Lynx camera system, lap counter, etc. As such we are slowly working through the remainder of the jerseys we have in inventory. When they are gone they are gone. Working with Pactimo we will occasionally have an open “store” where a jersey in the needed size can be ordered by any winner who wishes to purchase one on their own.
If you ever win and want to purchase a jersey on your own then please let us know so that we can include you on an email when that store is opened the 1 or 2 times a year it will open. You can email us at ilcyclingassociation@gmail.com
Final Illinois Cup schedule is near completion so please look for it here when it is available.