Host Housing

Host Housing is FULL for 2023 due to overwhelming demand!

We’ve had a sharp increase in host housing requests this year, especially with large squads. We have been able to secure dorm options at Benedictine University. Rooms are first come, first serve. Please see the details and how to book below.

Benedictine University:

5700 College Rd, Lisle, IL 60532

Cost: $35 per night per bed

Rooms: Four beds per room with a shared mini kitchen. The mini kitchen includes a refrigerator and microwave. Each room has two bathrooms. No linens are provided; bring your own sheets, blankets, and towels. There will be a one-time additional cleaning fee.

There are dining options on campus.

Breakfast is $9.20 per person

Lunch is $11.16 per person

Dinner is $12.10 per person

To reserve contact:

Michael Koval

Phone: 224-515-0666

For more information on becoming a host or to obtain host housing, contact:

Elle Ullum
Host Housing Coordinator
elle @ intelligentsiacup.com

Become a host!

Local Volunteers needed to host top cyclists from around the country and around the world who will be competing in the Intelligentsia Cup. This unique opportunity offers you the chance to get to know the country’s top riders and get a peek behind the scenes of the racing lifestyle. Lifelong friendships are often formed.

Hosting riders in individual homes is a huge factor in recruiting teams. Invite your neighbors too. They can help by providing housing so that entire teams can stay in the same geographical area (ideal situation). Please pass this information on to your friends, family and co-workers.

Host families are asked to provide:

a comfortable sleeping space, bed or air bed
the use of a bathroom and shower
use of kitchen to prepare meals
counter and refrigerator space
use of your washer and dryer
a secure place for the cyclist(s) to store their bicycle at night

Note: You are NOT expected to provide food or transportation.

Will the riders want to be in my home when I’m not there?

No. They are looking for a place to sleep at night. If you’re willing to let them use your home during the day, that would be nice, but it isn’t required. However, due to the race schedules and some remote locations they will most likely arrive home past 10:00pm. They can let themselves in if you don’t want to wait up for them.

Will I have to feed them?

No. Hosts often invite riders for a meal but it is not expected. They will need the use of the kitchen (they will clean up after themselves). They will need the use of your refrigerator and counter space. Some may ask permission to use your washer and dryer.

Will I have to provide transportation?

No.

Will my home be treated like a hotel?

No. Riders stay in many different homes and they would like to be invited back. They know how to be good guests.

Granted, these are nice people. Do they have any other reason to behave well?

You bet. These are all sponsored riders and teams. They are very aware that they are representing those sponsors and teams for the entire time they are in town not just when they are racing. They want those sponsors and teams to hear good things about them. If any issues arise, contact our host housing coordinator, Graham.

Will I have an uncomfortable conversation with the riders when I define the limits of what I’m willing to do?

No. Our host housing coordinator is an advocate for both the riders and hosts. You tell us your limits and we will pass it on to the riders. These riders are very flexible and gracious guests.

How will I know if I have been accepted as a host?

You will be notified when host assignments have been made by email and/or by phone. Your guest(s) will also contact you shortly after the assignments have been distributed.

Please include in your housing application:

How many riders you would be able to host
If a male or female team is preferred, if applicable
Any pets that live in the house
How many nights your home will be available to the team
Any other pertinent information

Rider FAQ

Will you be allowed in a host’s home while they are away?

Most likely, with the host’s permission. Remember, this is not a hotel. Hosts have gone out of their way for you to stay at their home. Please be respectful at all times and use the areas they have told you is okay and by all means clean up after yourself immediately.

Will they feed you?

No. Hosts often invite riders for a meal but it is not expected. You are expected to plan ahead and bring your own food and seasonings. You will have the use of the kitchen, some space in a refrigerator (may be located elsewhere), stove, etc. and counter space.

Please do not:

Co-mingle your food with hosts food.
Leave any appliances on and unattended.
Forget to clean up after yourselves

Will I have a place to do laundry?

Yes, if your host has a washer and dryer you can use them with their permission. Please always ask to use their washer and dryer to make sure you don’t interfere with your host’s schedule. Also, NEVER co-mingle your laundry with your hosts. And always time your laundry so that you never leave it sitting in the washer or dryer.

Where will I shower?

Your host will have a shower for you to use. You may have a shower just for you or you may have to share it with the host family. If you are sharing with the host family always ask if they need it first. In any event always clean up after each use.

Will hosts provide transportation?

No.

What else do hosts expect of me?

Hosts expect riders to respect their home and furnishings. If something gets damaged or broken tell them immediately. They’ll find out eventually and it’s better from you than if they find it on their own.

Is it okay to leave a thank you gift for the hosts?

Absolutely! Some examples are: Signed Team Poster, Team T-shirt, anything cycling related is good.

Lastly, always leave your hosts home in the same or better condition than when you arrived.

For more information, contact:

Please include in your housing application:

Names and genders of all riders
Dates housing is needed for
Any allergies within the group
How many vehicles will you be bringing
Any other pertinent information