The USA Cycling National Criterium Calendar stop on the Intelligentsia Cup powered by SRAM was the Northwestern Medicine Lake Bluff Criterium, just north of Chicago. A muggy evening did not stop the professional men and women from racing fast over $24,000 in prize money.
In Waukegan it was veteran criterium racer Rahasaan Bahati (Bahati-WTR) taking the win in the men’s race while Fearless Femme went one-two with Amy Cutler followed by Loretta HansonIn the men’s race it was NCC leader Hilton Clarke (UnitedHealthcare) easily out-kicking the competition in a field sprint, while in the women’s race it was a surprise solo effort for the final five laps that gave Jamie Gilgen (Rise Racing p/b Cyclepath) the biggest win of her career.
UnitedHealthcare and Astellas Pro Cycling were the two deepest squads in the men’s race, though the German Team Radon, in for the series, gave both a run for their money by having riders in most of the breaks. However, neither of the American teams seemed content to change the win to a break and ultimately it was lead-out trains battling in the final laps. First, Astellas took to the front with five to go – though it seemed a little early as series leader Ryan Aitcheson was missing from the train. But on the next lap veteran Adam Myerson was escorting the Canadian up to the front.
With three to go UnitedHealtcare’s train was up and running alongside Astellas. And the final two laps it was all bluetrain on the front. The only disruption was Colombian Camilo Ulloa (Idermeta) sliding in for second ahead of Carlos Alzate (UnitedHealthcare). Team Radon put two in the to five to keep their series hopes high with Frank Lütters now just two points behind Aitcheson.
There were also two dominant women’s teams in Pepper Palace and ISCorp Cycling p/b SmartChoice MRI, with the likes of Tina Pic and Samantha Schneider looking to go head-to-head in a sprint. But a late race $100 prime saw Canadian Jamie Gilgen roll off the front and she just kept going, as the two sprinter’s teams looked at the other to chase.
Gilgen, in full time trial mode, rolled away with the cash as Schneider bested Pic for the field sprint and other two podium spots.
The Intelligentsia Cup powered by SRAM finishes Sunday in the heart of Chicago, the Fulton Market neighborhood on the near west side right in front of the Intelligentsia Coffee roasting works.
– 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