Intelligentsia Cup Back in Chicago for 2015 and 2016
Intelligentsia Coffee is continuing its commitment to top-level American bike racing by renewing its title sponsorship of the Intelligentsia Cup, a multi-day omnium road cycling series around Chicagoland during mid-July, for the next two years.
“To see the series mature and grow into being among the best in the country, a permanent fixture of mid-summer racing, is very gratifying,” said Doug Zell, Intelligentsia Coffee co-founder. “We are hopeful that this is a series that will bring great racers and bike racing fans to Chicago and surrounding areas for decades to come.”
Beginning in 2012 as the Prairie State Cycling Series, it took on the name ‘Intelligentsia Cup’ in 2013 with the initial title sponsorship of Intelligentsia Coffee as well as expanding to seven races. In 2014 the series grew to eight races – seven criteriums and a road race. For 2015 the series is proud that the road race was selected by the Illinois Cycling Association to host the Illinois State Road Racing Championships.
“We are extremely excited that Intelligentsia Coffee has taken the leadership position to help grow the sport of cycling in the Chicago area,” said series partner and former pro cyclist Tom Schuler. “Our goal is to make the Intelligentsia Cup one of the premier cycling events in the United States and thanks to the support of Doug Zell and Intelligentsia Coffee we will be able to bring the exciting sport cycling to even more Chicagoland communities.”
Also new for the Intelligentsia Cup in 2015 is an expanded offering of racing categories. The series is committed to developing women’s racing with the addition of a third women’s category. As well there is a new age group category for 50+ and 60+ age racers. These additional categories gives even more variety of racing options on offer for all levels of racers, while still finishing each day with the top professional men and women from around the country and all over the world.
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About Intelligentsia Coffee
Intelligentsia Coffee is a twenty-year-old Specialty coffee roaster and retailer based in Chicago. With direct relationships spanning the globe for over a decade, Intelligentsia buyers source and develop naturally sweet coffees from some of the best producers in the world. The company is recognized as an industry pioneer for its creation of the Direct Trade purchasing model, groundbreaking coffee bars, and award winning baristas. For more information visit: http://www.intelligentsiacoffee.com.
About the Intelligentsia Cup
Founded in 2012 as the Prairie State Cycling Series, the Intelligentsia Cup brings competitive bicycle race to the Chicago metro area, featuring top-level professional and elite amateur athletes. Each race venue includes exciting racing complemented by healthy and fun family activities, a lifestyle expo, as well as food and beverage from local vendors. For the complete schedule, please visit: https://intelligentsiacup.com.