Bicyclists to race around Lake Ellyn as part of Tour of Glen Ellyn

GLEN ELLYN – Hundreds of cyclists are set to test their skills July 16 during the fast-paced Packey Webb Ford Tour of Glen Ellyn presented by Intent Coaching.

Participants will be racing at speeds exceeding 30 mph around Lake Ellyn. The event is part of the Intelligentsia Cup, a nine-day bike race series that also features races in Elmhurst, Chicago and other communities during the month of July. Glen Ellyn is a new venue for the cup this year.

"When they sprint, they hit 40 mph," said Mark Zalewski, marketing director for the Intelligentsia Cup.

About 500 cyclists are expected to participate during the day, he said, including riders from Germany, Australia, Colombia, Mexico and Canada. Running 1.4 miles around the perimeter of Lake Ellyn, the course includes 14 turns, a roundabout, elevation changes and a twisting chicane.

"They can expect to see one of the most challenging race courses," said Mary Ann Sedor, co-founder and head coach of Intent Coaching, which is presenting the Tour of Glen Ellyn. "They will leave excited about cycling."

Racing will begin at 8:50 a.m. and continue all day. The length of each race will vary from 30 minutes to 90 minutes.

The course begins and ends on Lenox Road. For safety purposes, Crescent Boulevard will be completely closed off during the event.

Two-time cycling Olympian John Vande Velde, who grew up in Glen Ellyn, designed the course. The first edition of the race was in 1970.

This course was raced under the name the Tour of Lake Ellyn during the 1970s and 1980s.

"We've gotten really great support from the village in bringing this event back," Zalewski said.

Spectators can watch the Tour of Glen Ellyn for free. The event also will feature kids' races.

"They will get to ride on the same course as the pros, albeit a shorter distance," Zalewski said. "It's great fun seeing the kids out there. A lot of pros are warming up at the same time too, so they get to ride alongside the pros."

There also will be a hand cycle race for cyclists with disabilities, he said.

"They can use their hands to power the bike instead of their legs," Zalewski said. "We're working with the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago as a sponsor to bring out hand cyclists."

NAMI DuPage will receive a portion of the profits from the Tour of Glen Ellyn.

---

Know more

Go to tourofglenellyn.com to find out more about the Tour of Glen Ellyn. Volunteers also are needed for the event.