July 27, 2026
Outstanding competition continued at Friday's Elmhurst Cycling Classic presented by EMC2. This was the sixth event in the Intelligentsia Cup Prairie State Cycling Series, and after some rest days, the peloton arrived with renewed energy. The Village of Elmhurst and EMC2 delivered an exceptional venue with highly competitive racing across all categories. Intelligentsia Coffee advanced two positions in the team standings, while WDT also posted solid results to crack the Top 10. Based on early Downers Grove data, these teams appear poised to strengthen their positions further. Complete race outcomes are available through official channels.
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July 24, 2026
Fantastic action at the Intelligentsia Cup Prairie State Cycling Series midweek road race in Willow Springs, presented by Tower Racing. Share your race experiences, videos, and imagery with us! Field participation was impressive, especially for a Wednesday event. Having a road race this accessible to Chicago is a real treat. The hill could have provided more selection—perhaps more laps on the short circuit next year to maximize the climbing challenge. Tower Racing deserves recognition for supporting this event. Limited movement in the Pave Liga standings as teams consolidate their positions. We're entering the final stretch with opportunities remaining at Elmhurst Friday and Downers Grove Sunday.
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July 24, 2026
Tim Radcliff from EMC2 and race organizer for the Elmhurst Cycling Classic has asked us to encourage teams to set up their tents at the event. The goal is to create a strong presence in the business district—what better way than a full display of team canopies? As an incentive, each team tent receives $20 in food and beverage vouchers to help kick off the festivities.
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July 24, 2026
The sixth event in the Intelligentsia Cup Prairie State Cycling Series, this Friday's Elmhurst Cycling Classic criterium promises another thrilling venue. The course is fast with just enough technical challenge to keep things engaging. The community really embraces this race. What better way to spend your Friday evening? We sat down with Tim Radcliff from EMC2, the event's race director.
Chicago Cycling Events: Share a bit about your cycling background—years in the sport, race directing experience, and involvement in the Chicago scene.
Tim Radcliff: I've been competing since the late 80s, starting in Pittsburgh. I raced with Pittsburgh Pro Bikes, which sounds amusing in retrospect since I was never close to professional level. At 6'4" and 185 pounds, I wasn't a natural contender, especially on Pittsburgh's brutal climbs. I was pack fodder in Category 4, hanging on desperately through Pennsylvania hills but enjoying every minute. Moving to Chicago improved my criterium skills significantly—Chicagoland's flat terrain suited me far better than Pittsburgh!
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July 23, 2026
Saturday's Lake Bluff Criterium results have been incorporated into the Pave Liga standings. Minimal shuffling in positions, though WDT-Allvoi climbed within reach of the Top 10. Anticipate the Willow Springs Road Race results—those might shake things up considerably.
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July 22, 2026
The Intelligentsia Cup Prairie State Cycling Series and Pave Liga continue Wednesday, July 23rd with the Tower Racing-presented road race. Tower will definitely field a strong squad—this is their home turf!
- Course: Check out this course map. A 9.8 mile circuit featuring a stepped climb to the finish line (assuming the standard start/finish). Otherwise relatively flat. The narrow streets can bunch up the field if no one drives the pace. Road quality rates about C-grade with some rougher sections—avoid the gutters and watch for wildlife on Archer.
- Race Tactics: Pat claims the hill is brutal, but I'm skeptical. With limited repetitions, I don't think it provides enough selection with 9 miles of recovery. However, if several riders collaborate to create a gap approaching the hard right onto Flavin, hammer up the climb, and power through Little Red School House, there's an opportunity. Otherwise expect a 200-meter uphill field sprint.
- Directions: The Irish Legend pub is near registration.
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July 21, 2026
What an outstanding opening weekend for the Intelligentsia Cup Prairie State Cycling Series. Results are now available. 's Lake Bluff Criterium counted toward Pave Liga scoring. Early indications suggest potential standings movement. Three more upcoming PSCS races will be scored:
- Wednesday - Willow Springs Road Race: Excellent course featuring a deceptive climb. Whether it splits the race or just irritates riders remains to be seen. Make each ascent count or face a power sprint finish. Ask veterans who raced here in 2009 and 2011.
- Friday - Elmhurst Cycling Classic: Beyond your typical four-corner criterium, last year's edition was scorching in both competition and temperature! The community strongly supports this event, so plan to enjoy Friday evening activities.
- Sunday - Downers Grove Criterium: The legendary Downers returns as PSCS revives one of Chicagoland's iconic road races. The course is definitively technical. Picture that sweeping final corner into the punchy uphill finish that has defeated many aspiring champions!
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July 18, 2026
Excellent racing at 's Winfield Criterium, July 12th. Weather proved cooperative after all. This ranks among the season's best criterium courses—pristine pavement, wide turns, challenging climb, and fast finish. Somewhat reminiscent of Downers Grove (which, incidentally, is returning to the calendar!). Here are the Pave Liga standings following Winfield.
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July 15, 2026
The Intelligentsia Cup Prairie State Cycling Series launches this Friday, July 18th, with the Waukegan Criterium and continues through eight race days concluding Sunday, July 27th. Here's our conversation with Marco Colbert, the visionary behind PSCS and a tremendous supporter of Chicagoland cycling.
WCC: The Prairie State Cycling Series enters its fourth year, growing stronger each season—what's been the mission in establishing this series and how's it progressing?
Marco Colbert: We started with the concept of bringing elite-level bicycle racing back to Chicagoland. This area has such rich racing history, but in recent years many established events have disappeared, as often happens with cycling events. Thanks to our partnership with Intelligentsia, founded in Chicago but with bicoastal presence, our objective is making this the premier racing series in the city, and eventually the region and beyond.
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July 14, 2026
Chicagoland's premier cycling series has arrived! With an excellent blend of proven courses, fresh venues, and even the resurrection of the legendary Downers Grove Criterium, the Intelligentsia Cup promises to be exceptional. Watch Doug Zell, a passionate advocate and supporter of Midwest cycling, discuss Intelligentsia's involvement in the Prairie State Cycling Series.
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July 11, 2026
We've finally updated standings including the Scarlet Fire TT (apologies for the delay). Not a major upheaval, but teams shouldn't overlook time trial events. The PYOC 4-Person Team Time Trial Championship is scheduled for March 9, 2026. The Pave Liga continues this weekend with Winfield Criterium, and Prairie State launches next week!
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July 10, 2026
This weekend brings the Winfield Criterium ABR National Championships presented by ABD Cycle Club. Now in its 15th year, this race has established itself as one of the road season's premier criterium events—precisely why we selected it for the Pave Liga! We caught up with Bryan McVey to learn more about the event.
WCC: Share a bit about yourself—cycling background, race directing involvement, and the Chicago cycling scene.
I entered cycling after 10 years of competitive running, which concluded my junior year of college in 2006. I raced my first season around Chicago, then one year collegiately and in Belgium, followed by the domestic Pro/Am circuit and local racing since.
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July 09, 2026
Two fantastic weeks of racing ahead! First, this , July 12th features the Winfield Criterium - ABR National Championship presented by ABD. Then the Intelligentsia Cup Prairie State Cycling Series delivers 8 days of outstanding Chicago-area racing. Both events have pre-registration closing Thursday, July 10th, so register now.
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July 07, 2026
Tower Racing is organizing race 4 of Prairie State, the Willow Springs Road Race on Wednesday, July 23rd. They need volunteers for course marshaling, setup, teardown, and other race day assistance. Spouses, partners, children, family members, neighbors, friends—anyone willing to contribute, their help would be greatly appreciated! Visit the Tower Racing website to sign up.
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July 06, 2026
After a series of Wisconsin races, the Pavé Liga returns to Illinois for this weekend's Winfield Criterium on , July 12th. This is the ABR National Criterium Championships, the 15th annual race organized by ABD. You're not only racing for the prestigious ABR Stars and Stripes jersey, but competing for a substantial $7500+ prize purse. Registration is open until Thursday, July 10th.
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July 03, 2026
Two additional ToAD races—Downer Ave and Tosa Gran Prix—have been added to the Pavé Liga standings. More reshuffling as Wisconsin teams advance. Team Wisconsin jumped up 6 places into the Top 10. While xXx may have a stranglehold on first place, the remaining standings remain wide open. With Winfield Criterium and Prairie State approaching, plenty of racing opportunities remain.
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