THE JOURNAL & TOPICS NEWSPAPERS | THURSDAY, MAY 8, 2008

---

Planning Heats Up For 'Tour'

Planning is in high gear for the 2008 Alexian Brothers "Tour of Elk Grove" bicycle race.

The three-day event, held this summer on the weekend of the Friday, Aug. 1 through Sunday, Aug. 3, features a new partnership with Schaumburg, new sponsors and new events.

An expected 150 riders will take part in the $150,000 road race being held on Saturday, Aug. 2.

This year the course has been expanded with riders starting in Schaumburg, winding their way through both communities and finishing in Elk Grove Village.

Other races have also been added and expanded including the pro-men stage one time trial, the pro-men stage two road race, a stage two category half men's race and a two stage Mayor's Challenge Race.

The prize purse this year has increased this year to $225,000, making it one of the richest prizes in bicycle racing.

Race organizers expect riders from 22 countries to take part from as far away as Africa.

New events will also be added to the program for spectators along with new bleachers and a "jumbo-tron" screen to watch the race. A children's festival, fireworks and two nights of live concerts and block parties will also take place.

Entertainment for the concerts has been booked for the block parties on Friday and Saturday nights. Chicago pop rockers Underwater People will perform on Friday, Aug. 1 and Chicago disco, pop and rock cover band The Hat Guys will perform on Saturday, Aug. 2.

New sponsors have been added to the event including Budweiser and American Airlines.

---Tom Robb