Superweek preview II

Superweek returns to the Chicago area Sunday with the inaugural Evanston Northwestern Hospital Grand Prix, a race that many of us are extremely excited about. This was the first 4/5 field to fill up, and I expect the other fields to be bigger than usual as well. In addition, Cat 3 women who have missed out on the week's fun will finally get a chance to race as the women's races expand to P/1/2/3.

It's a doozy of a course in Evanston, basically a modified figure-8. (Figure-6?) There's a long straightaway down Sherman Avenue, so speeds should be high as racers barrel toward the start/finish at Sherman and Davis. The two turns on Clark street may be dicey. Traffic islands at each corner will funnel the packs through tight holes, and as sprinters anticipate the final tear down Sherman, these corners should yield plenty of mayhem on the final laps.

Because of the capacity field, organizers urge 4/5 racers to to check in at least 45 minutes before each race, lest their slots be turned over to wait-listed riders.

As for the rest of the races, the only course I'm familiar with is Monday's Tour of Holy Hill. It's been two years since I've been there, but I don't remember the hills being that significant. More challenging was the wind. There is, however, a steep climb when the race exits the course and goes up Powderhill Road toward the finish line. Just like Alpine Valley and the Proving Grounds, this is a finish that demands to be checked out beforehand. Ride it, drive it or walk it, just don't be surprised by it.

Holy Hill, by the way, is the course where a rider was killed in 2006. Aaron Bieberitz (PCW) was off the back of the 4/5 race when a commercial driver stopped at an intersection but continued onto the course and into Bieberitz's path. Without blaming either party, the incident is a reminder to keep your head up at all times, and not to assume any vehicle sees you or will yield for your behalf.

Full Superweek schedule.

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