Record-setting numbers across 10-day racing series
The 2019 Intelligentsia Cup pro/am bicycle racing series, in its eighth year and seventh as a multi-day series, saw record ridership with more than 5,300 entries across ten days – making for a 17% increase in total ridership from the previous year.
In addition to the total increase, there were significant increases within race categories. In particular, the pro/elite men’s category increased 37% over 2018, with an average field size of 123 racers per day, the largest average field size since the inception of the series.
Overall, nine out of ten categories increased in size, many by double digits. In particular the women’s 2/3 category continued its growth, up 14% year over year.
“We are ecstatic about the increase in ridership this year, showing that road racing is certainly far from dead!” said series partner Tom Schuler. “While there are many more event options for cyclists these days, events like the Intelligentsia Cup shows that cyclists appreciate quality, high-production value events. We hope to continue our growth trend as we have over the entire eight years of our event.”
The ridership came from 40 states and 20 foreign countries.
The fixed gear races also increased in participation, thanks in part to Chome taking over as title sponsor, with the Chrome Coveted Crits. Winners of the open and WTF categories received the rare Chrome Coveted Jersey and a one-of-a-kind Chrome backpack made from the same jersey.
Changes to the series this year included two age-oriented mini-series – a five-day junior series for 15-18 year-olds, and on the opposite end of the age spectrum, a five-day series for masters racers aged 50/60 plus, sponsored by Team MACK and The Meteor.
Planning for next year’s series is already underway with tentative dates of July 17-26, 2020.
