{image1}Nobody should be prouder than Milwaukee's Otto Wenz Jr. when the International Cycling Classic (ICC) kicks off this weekend.
A one-time competitor himself, Wenz spearheaded the Classic with a single race at Summerfest in 1969. The race 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 ICC 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 ICC 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 ICC is now the oldest and longest-running multi-category cycling race in the United States.
In typical fashion, Wenz, a member of the U.S Bicycling Hall of Fame, gives credit to others when talking about the ICC success. "We really have a unique situation here," explained Wenz.
"Our host communities have done a great job of creating a festival atmosphere surrounding our races. It's great family-friendly entertainment, it's free, and the racers love the atmosphere. Riders from all over the world contact us each year because they know that the competition is top-notch and they'll be racing in front of great crowds."
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. Lance Armstrong and other top U.S. cyclists have competed in the ICC over the years.
More can be found on the ICC schedule in the Hot Tix portion of this column. To wrap up this section, let's give some additional deserved credit to Wenz. In addition to Superweek, Wenz played an instrumental role in planning the 1978 world cycling championships for juniors--marking the first time in 66 years since the world championships last came to the United States.
From 1975 to 1979, Wenz served as president of the U.S. Cycling Federation, and afterward directed and chaired various USCF committees. Wenz served as chairman of the 1986 world cycling championships in Colorado Springs, the first full world's program in the United States since 1912.
The U.S. Bicycling Hall of Fame says this about Wenz: "Otto Wenz's name is synonymous with cycling in his hometown of Milwaukee. After many years as a competitor, Wenz devoted himself to promoting the sport. He became a national figure for organizing the renown 'Super Week,' a remarkable week-long series of road and criterium races."
Brewers' Player of the Week
Give the honor to rookie Rickie Weeks, after he hit homers in three straight games last weekend. Two served as game-winners.
Special mention goes to Carlos Lee, who was picked to represent the Brewers in next week's All Star Game.
Also, give some kudos to Brady Clark, who deserved selection but lost out in a numbers games of NL outfielders.
Flip A Coin
At the time of this writing, Flip Saunders was still rumored to be the leading candidate for the Bucks coaching job. The Bucks would like to name a coach by next Monday when their summer league team will convene at the Cousins Center. The Bucks are playing in the Minnesota Summer League July 15-19.
Saunders coached the Timberwolves in the NBA and was a veteran of the CBA, including a successful stint as coach of the La Crosse team.
When the Bucks announce a coach, a Sports Buzz Update will be posted at the end of this column.
Hot Tix
Here's the ICC schedule from now until the next Sports Buzz runs:
- July 8 -- Beverly Hills Cycling Classic presented by The McTigue Financial Group Chicago, IL.
July 9 -- J.J. Keller & Associates, Inc. Cycling Classic (Otto Grunski Stage) Menasha.
July 10 -- First National Bank Maritime Bay Classic Manitowoc.
July 11 -- Point Beer Tour of Alpine Valley Road Race East Troy.
July 12 -- Shaklee MGA Proving Grounds Road Race Burlington/Town of Lyons.
July 13 -- Saturn Whitnall Park Road Race Hales Corners.
The Brewers wrap up first half action in Atlanta before breaking for the All Star Game. After the break, the Crew returns home to host the Washington Nationals July 14-17.
Wave United plays at 7 p.m. Friday against the Chicago Fire Juniors in Christian Music Night at Uihlein Soccer Park.
The two area teams in the North American Football League have home games this Saturday. The Milwaukee Marauders host the Indiana Tornadoes at 7 p.m. at Hart Park. The Racine Raiders host the McHenry County Gladiators at 7 p.m. at Horlick Field.
