History

The Point Premium Root Beer International Cycling Classic began as a single race at Milwaukee's Summerfest in 1969 and quickly expanded into a successful week-long racing series in the Milwaukee metropolitan area under the name Superweek. In 1985, Superweek added several races in cities to the north of Milwaukee, venues which had been part of the recently-ended "Milk Race" series. This expansion brought about the two-week racing format which the Point Premium Root Beer International Cycling Classic maintains to this day.

More recently, the event has expanded southward starting with the addition of a race in Kenosha at the Food Folks & Spokes festival in 1991. In 2002, the Point Premium Root Beer International Cycling Classic debuted in Illinois with the Bensenville Criterium which was followed in 2003 by the Beverly Hills Cycling Classic on Chicago's South Side.

Sanctioned by USA Cycling, the Point Premium Root Beer International Cycling Classic is now the oldest and longest-running multi-category cycling race in the United States with races in cities from De Pere in Northern Wisconsin to Chicago. The event has a long-running tradition of international participation. Each year, a European contingent travels overseas to compete in the Classic, many of whom are emerging stars on the European racing scene.

The ICC has earned the distinction of being a world-class cycling event among the participating cyclists, sponsors, and spectators. Among its many credits include:

• The longest running multi-day bicycle racing series in the United States.
• The Point Premium Root Beer International Cycling Classic fields more competitors annually than any other American race.
• The event stages more races in a major American city (Milwaukee) than any other U.S. cycling event.
• Competitors are challenged with the most consecutive days of bicycle racing offered in America.
• The oldest and largest multi-day competitive cycling event for Men's Category 3 and 4 races, Juniors, and Women.
• The first Pro/Am competitive racing series in the United States.
• Part of the first American Criterium Championship Series in 2003
• Hosted a stage in the 1999 Saturn U.S. Pro Tour
• Final Stage for the 1998 Tour of America.
• Provided the first national stage race and NPC Championship series for inline skating in Wisconsin.

The Point Premium Root Beer International Cycling Classic is sanctioned by the United States Cycling Federation and is a participant in the 2007 National Racing Calendar (NRC).

Past Winners

The ICC has featured many of the best riders from the U.S. and Europe. Some of the top U.S. riders who have competed include Lance Armstrong, Levi Leipheimer, Bobby Julich, Fred Rodriguez, Chris Horner, Gord Fraser, and Mark McCormack.

Photo courtesy Herald Times Reporter

The Event Founder

Otto Wenz Jr. is the founder of the Point Premium Root Beer International Cycling Classic. He is a nationally recognized leader in competitive racing and a member of the United States Bicycling Hall of Fame, His organizational experience includes:

• Serving as a member of the USCF Board of Directors
• Serving as President of the U.S. World Cycling Championships
• Serving as President of the USCF from 1975 to 1979
• Hosting and producing the U.S. National Road Race Championship six times