The streets of Chicago's suburbs are set to pulsate with the energy of competitive cycling as the Chicago Grit bike race series, previously known as the Intelligentsia Cup, returns for a 10-day stretch of high-speed action. This year’s event, which spans from July 19 to July 28, will see the addition of Chicago’s own Fulton Market to the list of community-centered race venues. Marco Colbert, the series' race director and co-founder, conveyed the essence of Chicago Grit, stating to the Chicago Tribune, “We love cycling and we hope that comes through. We want to share it with everyone, and we want to give back to the sport.”
In an extraordinary showcase of athleticism and strategy, criterium racing, or 'crit', thrills spectators with its frenetic pace and demand for exceptional biking prowess. The series, known for being "very spectator-friendly," provides a stark contrast to the linear journey of something like the Tour de France. Bystanders witness the cyclists' feats up close, as the races take place on courses less than a mile in length, wrapping around local landmarks and ensuring frequent opportunities to catch the swift action. Acknowledging the allure of these races, Colbert told the Chicago Tribune, “The beauty of this is that it is very spectator-friendly because the bike races come around the racecourse frequently, therefore the spectators get to see it and enjoy it."
While the race series undeniably centers on raw competition, the event is also steeped in communal festivities. Each stop features an array of music, food, and, in places like West Dundee, enriching activities into their programming to maximize the enjoyment of everyone attending. Beyond the cycling thrills, events such as family bike parades invite attendees to engage with the racecourse in a more personal and relaxed way. Colbert emphasizes the dual nature of these gatherings, saying, "We don’t really see ourselves as being a bike-racing series, we see ourselves as being an assembly of community events with a bike race."
On July 28, the series finale lands in Fulton Market for the acclaimed Fulton Market Grand Prix. With races barrelling down a .77-mile course and competitors reaching speeds up to 30 mph, the event has been likened to an F1-style race on two wheels. James Phelan, xXx Racing partner manager, spoke about the relocation of the Fulton Market Grand Prix to a central hub for better engagement, stating to Block Club Chicago, “It will absolutely engage more of the local businesses. There are more choices … for food and drink … . The intent, if we can make this a street festival with a bike race bolted into it, then we’ve won.” Preparations for the event are rigorous, with race-day setup starting at 6 a.m. and teardown slated for around 8 p.m., following a full day of races.
Beyond the competition, the day will be packed with community-led offerings, including an expo featuring local participants and a much-anticipated bike giveaway for children, hosted by Ald. Walter Burnett (27th). The giveaway not only equips kids with a new bike and a helmet but also offers bike-riding lessons – and the unique chance to ride the actual race course. It's a form of engagement that could inspire the next generation of cyclists and add a touch of family-friendly appeal to the adrenaline rush of the races.
