West Cook News

For the third year in a row, the Chicago Grit Cycle Brookfield Criterium will bring professional bike racing to Brookfield on Wednesday, July 23. The event is expected to attract hundreds of race fans and both amateur and professional cyclists who will compete in multi-lap races designed for tight turns and fast straightaways.

The races are scheduled to start at 11 a.m. and conclude around 8:30 p.m. Streets forming the racecourse will be closed to vehicles starting at 7 a.m. on July 23, with reopening planned as soon as possible after the final race.

Residents are advised to park outside the closure area as residential parking restrictions will be lifted for the day. However, safety-related parking rules remain in effect.

Due to construction on Grand Boulevard's 3700 block, this year's racecourse has been altered. The start/finish line is located in front of Irish Times Pub & Restaurant at 8869 Burlington Ave., with racers heading west on Burlington Avenue before making an acute angle turn onto Southview Avenue east of Elm Avenue.

Racers continue east on Southview Avenue to Forest, then north to Grove Avenue before heading west back toward the start/finish line. A business/vendor expo area will be set up on Prairie Avenue between Burlington Avenue and Southview Avenue.

Traffic restrictions will apply around the racecourse area, so spectators are encouraged to walk or bike if possible. More details about detour routes and racecourse specifics can be found online.