The Superior Ambulance Service Elmhurst Cycling Classic and the Inaugural Elmhurst Twilight Mile Will Be An Impressive Show for Spectators!!
There Are So Many Reasons to Come to Wilder Park in the afternoon of June 8, 2024
- Criterium bike racing is a fantastic spectator sport. Racers come by every few minutes, just a few feet from the crowds, and their speeds are truly incredible to witness up close.
- The Elmhurst Cycling Classic is the Illinois Championship race. We are drawing elite athletes from across the Midwest to chase the prize money and championship.
- The fastest races are at 3:45pm and 5pm - the Pro Elite Women’s and Men’s fields. If you can only see a couple of races, these two are not to be missed! Speeds in the 5pm race will frequently exceed 30 mph, and the finishing sprint will be closer to 40 mph.
- The Twilight Mile running race has attracted some very elite athletes. The fastest times submitted are close to 4 minutes for the mile. Some Elmhurst residents are near the top of that list. We will also be welcoming Olympic qualifier Jane Barekeis who recently won the Pittsburgh Marathon.
- Retired professional racer Kenny Labbe will be calling the action. Don’t worry about not knowing the tactics and strategies of bike racing - our announcer will get you hooked with the commentary.
- Food and Fun – We have several great businesses in our Expo area and food from two food-truck favorites. Stop by for treats and refreshments.
- The Phase Three Brewing Beer Garden opens at noon. Wilder Mansion is a fantastic spot to watch the races, directly across from the stage and Start/Finish line. Beer, wine and soft drinks are available.
- Neighborhood parties and “The Chicane” add to the excitement. It is worth the short walk to “The Chicane” on Elm Park heading west from Prospect. The racers navigate the two rapid turns at high speed right there. Some houses have hired bands to make that section a party. Grace Ave on the backstretch is also a racer favorite because the street comes alive with welcoming residents.
- Last but not least, we end our day with the Elmhurst Park District Family Fun Ride. Get your family out to the course to watch those last races, and then hop on the course in a free ride (not race). Registration is FREE and is located at Courts Plus. If you pre-register at Courts Plus, you are automatically entered to win a NEW BIKE courtesy of Kelly Stetler Compass Real Estate! All riders will need to wear a helmet and sign a waiver. Waivers are available online and can be dropped off at Courts Plus.
Come cheer the elite cyclists. Run the mile or root for all the runners. And then enjoy a nice ride with families around the course.
Information can be found at Elmbike.com, and there are links for inquiries as well. Spread the word and mark your calendar to come to Wilder Park on the afternoon of June 8, 2024!
