Superweek adds new (old) races

By Mark Zalewski, North American Editor

Two of the races of the 2009 International Cycling Classic (Superweek,) a seventeen day series in the American Midwest, will be taken from the archives, both from Superweek's and the historic Midwest's races. First is the return of the Schlitz Park Classic, a longtime favorite pro race of the series. The second is the Elgin Cycling Classic, known earlier in the decade as the Four Bridges of Elgin, which was the only UCI espoir race in North America at the time.

The Elgin race will utilize the same road-style circuit which includes an out-and-back design down along the Fox River, with a short but steep climb at the far end. And in a nod to the espoir heritage of the course, a separate prize will be given to the top U23 rider in the Pro/1/2 field.

The Schlitz Park Classic makes a return to the former brewery after two years off to construct the new Manpower Corporate Headquarters on the site. This race is known as one of the country's hardest one day races. The Schlitz Park is one tough criterium course due to the steep Second Street hill just after the start/finish line that riders must climb in each of 88 laps.

No word yet on when the complete schedule of races will be released.