It doesn’t yet have the history or the following of ye olde Hillsboro-Roubaix, but Saturday’s Leland Kermesse has the potential to grow into a Midwestern spring classic.

The course is flat, but the three gravel sections will be more dastardly and game-changing than the so-called cobbles of Hillsboro. As at Hillsboro, stay loose and keep that chain taut. Again, wide or knobby tires are not necessary; 25mm tires wouldn’t hurt, but I wouldn’t run out and buy some just for this.

Expect a minor scrum leading into each gravel section; position will be key. With only one or two good lines, it will be difficult to come around any slower riders ahead of you. If a big gap does open, be patient and then attack hard once you’re back on smooth pavement and hopefully you’ll be back on terms when the pack hits the gravel yet again.

The race is USAC-sanctioned this year, and Flatlandia knows how to host a fun event. Expect a few surprises.

Alas, the weather is looking downright pleasant, hardly befitting a spring classic, unlike the epic wind and thunderstorms of 2009

back in the day.

Elsewhere, the WCA series continues with crits both days.

Saturday Leland Kermesse USAC road race Leland, Ill. Distance from Chicago: 1.5 hours

Menomonee Park Criterium USAC criterium Menomonee Falls, Wis. Distance from Chicago: 2 hours Previous wrap-ups: 2009

Sunday GDVC No. 2 USAC criterium Madison, Wis. Distance from Chicago: 2.5 hours