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I remember going to the Wheat Thins Mayor’s Cup downtown.  I think it was at or near Navy Pier?  It may have been pros only. I think a friend had a hand in putting on the Chicago version, I will have to ask her. I vaguely remember that the national promoters had the idea of making bike racing more popular by holding the race in a place that lots of people would be likely to see it.  I think they also tried to make it a kind of noisy, action-packed, circus-y type atmosphere that would draw people in.  Hence I think the crit course was pretty short. 

But there is another downtown race cjb could be talking about in the post, that was in Grant Park.  It was was what had originally started as the Illinois State Criterium.  The promoters turned it up a notch, gave it another name, and had a pro race (along with regular USCF races) there at least for one year. (and maybe more?) I can’t remember the name of it.

I think it poured rain on race day that year!  I think they put alot of effort into publicizing it and putting on a first-class race. They gave out some of the nicest race medals I have ever seen - by Tiffany - in the signature Tiffany blue box!  I think this may have been the precursor to the Downer’s Grove Crit.  I think they later moved it to Downer’s Grove, but my memory is fuzzy on that. I think it was the same promoters, though.  I think it was put on by Ken Carl and his business partner?  (someone correct me if I am wrong)

There was also an Oak Park Criterium put on by Turin in that same era that attracted some pros and had some decent prize money.