News

Road race near Brimfield eliminated

Posted July 10, 2007 11:00 pm

AARON FREY

Proctor Cycling Classic committee members have decided to end the event's road race near Brimfield.

"It's done quite well for us, but we believe it's run its course and time," said Greg Springborn, race coordinator and president of the Peoria Bicycle Club.

The decision comes after a cyclist died June 30 in an accident during the 20th annual race.

Elizabeth Kobeszka, 24, of Chicago and a competitor collided about 9:30 a.m. in the westbound lane of West Brimfield-Jubilee Road during the Women's Cat 3 race.

The impact sent Kobeszka into the eastbound lane, where she was struck by a pickup truck pulling a horse trailer.

Kobeszka was pronounced dead at 1:20 p.m. at OSF Saint Francis Medical Center in Peoria.

Springborn said the 13-person committee met with members from USA Cycling last week for its annual evaluation of the three-day event. Representatives from USA Cycling recommended continuing the road race, he said.

"Their officials can't say enough about what they think of our event," he said.

But the Classic committee decided otherwise.

"It's a decision the race committee made, but certainly not because it was driven by USA Cycling," Springborn said.

The fatal accident was "not the sole reason" for shutting down the road race, he said. Organizers wanted another event that would attract more fans.

"If we want to maintain things from a spectator perspective, a road race is not a good way to achieve that goal," he said.

But, Springborn said, a road race at another location isn't out of the question.

"We're certainly not against hosting another road race," he said. "But there are other options."

The committee will likely meet within the next two months, Springborn said, and hopes to have an event to replace the Brimfield road race by the end of the year. He said the group will conduct feasibility studies to help improve all three portions of the event.

Springborn also said the group would like to continue with the Classic's weekend format.

"At this point, it's too speculative to mention (a road race replacement), but we do want to continue with a Friday-Saturday-Sunday competition," he said.

Residents along West Brimfield-Jubilee Road expressed concern about riders' safety after the fatal accident, saying the road's steep hills and narrow lanes make it too dangerous for racing.

Some cyclists and local residents suggested closing the course to vehicles or moving it to an area with less traffic.

Springborn estimated about 90 percent of cycling races are on open courses and said residents along the route would likely be opposed to a closed course.

"I'm not sure the general public would accept a total closure," he said.

A rolling closure, which would temporarily halt traffic during the race, would likely also be opposed, Springborn said.

Aaron Frey can be reached at (309) 686-3214 or afrey@pjstar.com.

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