Organizers of the Intelligencia Cup announced Wednesday that they are canceling this summer's event due to the risks involved in public gatherings amid the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic. Title sponsor Intelligentia Coffee has agreed to advance funding to the July 16-15, 2021, convention, which will be held on July 16-15, 2021.

"This was a very difficult decision, especially after the huge success of 2019, when the series became USA Cycling's largest road event," said series partner Tom Schuler.

In a press statement, organizers said the decision was not made lightly and included input from venue partners, local municipalities, sponsors, and riders. The top priority was the safety of event participants, spectators, volunteers, staff, and residents of the community that hosts the annual event.

"Since the beginning of this pandemic, we have worked hard to find a way forward in hopes that the situation would improve enough to safely host the Intelligencia Cup. Unfortunately, current facts and expert guidance say otherwise. [We are grateful to our title sponsor, Intelligentia Coffee, for supporting the series by carrying over their sponsorship to next year. Also, all sponsors and venues have committed to returning. We hope our riders stay safe and will be able to participate next July."

Founded in 2012, the Intelligencia Cup brings competitive bicycle racing to the Chicago metropolitan area and features top-level professional and elite amateur athletes while also offering healthy and fun family activities, a lifestyle expo, and food and beverage from local vendors. food and beverage offerings from local vendors.

The event is sanctioned by USA Cycling but is no longer part of the Pro Road Tour; the 2019 event averaged 124 participants per day in the pro men's events, bringing the total number of entries to 5,336.

U.S. bike racing has been hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic, and USA Cycling has announced that it will extend the suspension of all permits issued for sanctioned events (including USA Cycling races, rides, camps, and clinics) through May 31 More than 775 USA Cycling sanctioned events have been canceled or postponed.

On Thursday, when the inaugural Maryland Cycling Classic was postponed to 2021, USA Cycling lost its last UCI-sanctioned race for 2020.

USA Cycling is currently working with stakeholders, event organizers, and medical professionals to develop guidelines and best practices to keep participants, event staff, volunteers, and the communities where events are held as safe as possible after the ride or race resumes. The company is working to.