Big Course,
Real Road Tactics.
A state’s championship road race should represent what riding is like in that state. This course nails it. Here is a bit about the course and keys every cyclist wants to know.
The first thing every cyclist wants to see is the elevation profile. Here it is, not hilly, but not flat. Just over 500’ of elevation change over 21.5 miles.
The course will have a 1.5 mile lead in from the start/finish area to the 21.5 mile loop. The loop is ridden clockwise, which begins heading north on Russellville Road.
This long straight section of road features just 1 sweeping turn over 9 miles. While the road is lightly rolling, the key factor may be what farmers plant in their fields. If it is soybeans, with any wisp of wind echelons will form leaving no place to hide for 20+ minutes.
There will be a Neutral Feed Zone at Piscasaw Fen Conservation Area which is 6 miles into the loop.
A hard right onto Capron Road brings a series of 90+ degree turns, 5 to be exact. Savvy bike handlers will be sure stretch your legs.
This leads into Garden Prairie Road which has an ever so slight false flat downhill for 4 miles. While the terrain may give you a little push, the wind may have other ideas.
The loop finishes onto Lawrenceville Road which has a Southern Wisconsin feel of lightly rolling tree lined roads.
After completing your 1-4 loops, the race will heat up on the 1.5 mile dogleg to the finish. It is 1 mile false flat downhill (-1%) winding riders up for a ½ mile paper flat sprint for all the glory.
USA Cycling Rules apply at all times, including but not limited to:
3B1. Center Line. If a course is not closed to traffic, all competitors must keep to the right of the center line or enforcement line.
3B2. Rules of the Road. Riders shall, of their own responsibility, conform to all traffic regulations in force in the area where the race is held.
3B5. Taking pace or assistance from any outside means is forbidden, including holding on to a motor vehicle or taking pace from riders in a different race that is concurrently on the same course.
Illinois Bicycling Rules of the Road are available here.