I’m going to be in California for the next 10 days, so unfortunately I’ll be missing the Tour of Elk Grove this weekend, plus two days of great races next week in the form of the Grayslake Cycling Classic and the Glencoe Grand Prix. I’ll still file my usual wrap-ups, previews and other news as it develops. Anyone watching the racing in person, feel free to e-mail me any colorful details.

Speaking of the Tour of Elk Grove, results are already online for Friday night’s 4.5-mile time trial. Tom Zirbel (Bissell) is your leader heading into tomorrow’s road race through Schaumburg and Elk Grove Village. He leads Chris Horner (Astana) by 3 seconds. Local product Reid Mumford (Kelly Benefit Strategies) came within 11 seconds, good enough for 6th.

The field of 55 is down from the 97 that started last year, when the event was on the National Racing Calendar, but the notables include Tyler Hamilton (Rock Racing), 2007 Stage 2 winner Freddie Rodriguez (Rock Racing), and 2007 Stage 3 winner Ivan Dominguez (Toyota-United).

With several teams having an outsized presence in the field

— Rock Racing, Jelly Belly, Kelly Benefit Strategies, Bissell, Team Inferno, Successful Living and Toyota-United all have five or more —

I wouldn’t be surprised if a break got away tomorrow. Kelly Benefit Strategies has three riders in the top 10 and may feel it has license to be extra frisky. But with half the field within 30 seconds of one another and lots of time bonuses available, this could also come down to a contest between the sprinters.