Chicago – The Intelligentsia Cup powered by SRAM kicked off its first weekend with two criteriums and a road race consisting of big fields and big smiles. The two criteriums were on opposite ends of the spectrum with the first being one of the longest running races in Chicago and the other a brand new course – while the road race doubled as the Illinois State Road Race Championship.
On Friday evening the Beverly Hills Cycling Classic saw the addition of a third category with the Master’s 1/2/3 racing for the first time and to huge thumbs up. 2014 defending master’s champion Michael Heagney (Intelligentsia Coffee) took the inaugural win. In the women’s pro race it was local Jeannie Kuhajek (ISCorp p/b SmartChoice MRI) taking the top step while the 105 rider pro men’s field was won out of a breakaway by German Frank Lutters (Team Radon).
On Saturday a brand new course was on tap thanks to the support of Alderwoman Susan Sadlowski Garza. The “hot dog” course of two 180-degree turns was met with skepticism by many, but over and over racers finished saying they were pleasantly surprised by how fun and challenging the course turned out to be.
Jeffery Schiller (To Wheels) took the pro men’s win out of another breakaway while Rob White (Avant) took over the series lead thanks to a second runner-up result. In the women’s race it was Mexico’s Ana Teresa Casas Bonilla improving on her third place finish the day before taking the win.
Sundaw saw the Willow Springs Road Race as the Illinois State Championships contested alongside the series omniums. In the women’s race it was Colombia’s Ana Milena Fagua was the first to the top of the hill while Chicago’s Daphne Karagianis (Chicago Cuttin’ Crew) pulled on the state champ jersey. On the men’s side Canadian Ryan Aitcheson (Astellas Pro Cycling) took the top step after two days of strong results, while Ryan O’Boyle (xXx Racing) claimed the state championship.
Racing picks up again this Thursday with the Vista Health System Waukegan Bike Race and continues through Sunday!
– 30 –
About the Intelligentsia Cup powered by SRAM
Founded in 2012 as the Prairie State Cycling Series, the Intelligentsia Cup brings competitive bicycle racing 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: http://www.intelligentsiacup.com.
For more information, please contact:
Mark Zalewski
Marketing Director
+1 630 890 0209
mark@intelligentsiacup.com
Marco Colbert
Executive Director
+1 847 644 0277
marco@intelligentsiacup.com