The Superior Ambulance Service Elmhurst Cycling Classic brought back an incredible show of elite cycling and running despite some bad weather late in the day.
The DuPage Cycling Foundation (DCF) and local racing team EMC2/Elmhurst Masters brought back racing to Elmhurst on June 8th. One of the critical questions the promoters asked early in the planning stage was “Can Elmhurst attract enough racers now that we are not part of a 10-day series?” The answer was emphatically - YES.
The races were fast and strung out due to the speeds -an awesome show for the spectators. (photo Christian Rasmussen)
DCF promoted the event to Midwest teams and emphasized our community, the course, the prize money, and the Illinois State Championship. The reception was overwhelmingly positive because of the reputation of the event, the promoter, and importantly, the reputation of the community of Elmhurst. As a result, racer attendance was more than double the average compared to other regional events. Elmhurst attracted racers from 14 states and a New Zealand racer who was in the region for a different event.
Rain fell on the last two bike races – the pro elite women and pro elite men. But rain does not stop the competition nor the show of speed and skill. On slippery roads, the racers pushed themselves and put on an exciting show for the crowds. Title sponsor Superior Ambulance Services was an important part of the day, as they attended to racer mishaps and they represented critical rapid response when needed.
Professional women race down Elm Park Avenue in the rain (photo by Christian Rasmussen)
A Marian University (Indiana) cyclist won the pro elite men’s race (photo Christian Rasmussen)
With the help of Charlie Kern (CK Running) DCF introduced the Elmhurst Twilight Mile this year, and the race attracted elite runners from the region as well local and junior racers. Jack Aho of Chicago won the men’s field in 4:13 and Margaret Connelly of Glen Ellyn won the women’s field in 4:50. There are plans to make this part of the day even bigger and better in 2025.
An Elmhurst University runner prepared to race familiar roads (Photo by Christian Rasmussen)
A fast start down Elm Park Avenue (photo Christian Rasmussen)
Jack Aho wins the inaugural Elmhurst Twilight Mile in 4:13. (Photo by Christian Rasmussen)
The all-volunteer board of DuPage Cycling Foundation could not have put on this event without the support of the City of Elmhurst, volunteers, our sponsors, and the residents. We are incredibly fortunate to be part of such a wonderful community, and we hope to be able to give back to Elmhurst for years to come. Plans are already in the works for June 2025.
More photos and links to photographers can be found here: Elmhurst Cycling Classic Gallery Pictures and Elmhurst Twilight Mile Gallery Pictures (elmhurstcyclingclassic.com)
