2012 Alexian Brothers Tour of Elk Grove Receives Prestigious International Cycling Upgrade
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Village of Elk Grove Press Release
CONTACT:
Craig B. Johnson, Race Director
Village of Elk Grove
901 Wellington Avenue
Elk Grove Village, IL 60007
Phone: (847) 437-0030
Elk Grove Village, IL – September 27, 2011
2012 Alexian Brothers Tour of Elk Grove Receives Prestigious International Cycling Upgrade
Men's Pro race receives UCI’s Category 2.1 designation, which opens the door for more elite international professional rider participation
ELK GROVE VILLAGE, IL - The International Cycling Union (UCI, aka Union Cycliste Internationale), the world governing body for cycling sports, has upgraded the Men's Pro 3-day, 3-stage pro race at the 2012 Alexian Brother Tour of Elk Grove to prestigious UCI Category 2.1 designation.
The Category 2.1 upgrade means that Tour of Elk Grove's showcase race will join the ranks of the world's top cycling events and attract an expanded base of elite international cyclists to Elk Grove.
Celebrating its 7th year in suburban Chicago in 2012, the Alexian Brothers Tour of Elk Grove will be held from Friday, August 3 through Sunday, August 5. The Alexian Brothers Tour of Elk Grove first received Swiss-based UCI designation in 2011.
"This upgrade to 2.1 Category status for the Men's Pro stage race is a glowing recognition of the importance of Alexian Brothers Tour of Elk Grove among the top tier of world cycling events that includes the Tour de France," says Elk Grove Village Mayor and Race Director Craig Johnson.
In 2012, the Tour of Elk Grove Men's Pro 3-stage race will again be comprised of a "time trial" race on Friday; a "road stage" race on Saturday; and a "circuit race" (closed-circuit loop) on Sunday.
Over the weekend, the Tour of Elk Grove features more than 15 professional and amateur races for both men and women. Total prize money is expected to continue to be one of the largest for a 3-day Men’s Pro race in the world in 2012.
Rider registration will open in early 2012. For more information please visit www.tourofelkgrove.com or call (773) 868-3010.
The weekend also includes a sports/food/merchant expo, community races, and community "block parties" with music, food and fireworks on Friday and Saturday nights.
Tour of Elk Grove is presented by Alexian Brothers Medical Center, a nationally acclaimed health care facility in Elk Grove Village. For additional information, please call the Race Director at 847-437-0030.
