Beverly Hills Cycling Classic Returns To Friday Night

Caption: Spectators crowd to watch the women’s race in last years Beverly Hills Cycling Classic.

The Beverly Hills Cycling Classic is back on a Friday night. The first race of the 2015 Intelligentsia Cup Prairie State Cycling Series takes off Friday, July 17, from 4:30 to 10 p.m., featuring high level professional and amateur riders competing in both men’s and women’s races. A third race -- Masters 35+ for category 1, 2, and 3 cyclists -- has been added for an exciting evening of competitive bike racing.

Presented by the Beverly Area Planning Association, the cycling classic is is a favorite for riders who are eager to earn points and face the challenge of this rigorous race. Cycling fans and curious spectators alike will be thrilled to see category 1, 2 and 3 riders – the highest ranks -- zooming by at 35 mph, packed together in pelotons and fearlessly edging out the other riders to win prizes for laps and the overall race.

Spectators will gather around the one-mile loop of the race course and at the festival on the grounds of Beacon Therapeutic School, 10650 S. Longwood Drive, Chicago. The start/finish line is just outside the festival area. The racing begins at 4:40 p.m. with the masters’ race, followed by the women’s race at 5:50 p.m. and the men’s race at 7 p.m.

Professional and elite amateur riders come from around the globe and throughout Chicago to compete in the Intelligentsia Cup, and the Beverly Hills Cycling Classic is sure to draw talent that will add to the excitement of all three races. Six riders from the Chicago Women’s Elite Cycling team will compete in the women’s race. These women are top riders – category 1 and 2 – who compete locally and nationally, frequently claiming prestigious prizes. The organization works to elevate the bike racing scene and earn Chicago riders an edge on the national front.

The Beverly Bike/Vee-Pak Racing Team is the major sponsor of the Beverly Hills Cycling Classic and five riders will be competing in this year’s race. Pat Dust qualified to compete in the pro/am men’s race; Bob Murray, Tony Rienks, Mike Seguin and Curtis Eldridge will compete in the new Masters +35 race.

“Adding the Masters race opens the Cycling Classic to more local participation,” said Paul Weise of the Beverly Bike –Vee Pak Racing Team and owner of Beverly Bike and Ski. “That really adds to the excitement not only in our neighborhood but across Chicago.”

The Beverly Hills Cycling Classic festival offers views of the racing plus food from local vendors, craft beer from Argus Brewery in Pullman, live music and a special area for children’s games and activities. Children age 8 and under are invited to compete in their own friendly competition, the Longwood 100 Big Wheel Race at 5:30 p.m. Festival admission is free.

For more information about the Beverly Hills Cycling Classic and festival contact the Beverly Area Planning Association by phone at 773-233-3100 or bapa@bapa.org. Visit Prairie State Cycling Series for more information about the tour.