Village Board approves Cycling Classic for June 19
By Tracy Ouellette
Editor
The East Troy Village Board approved Monday night the East Troy Area Chamber of Commerce’s request to hold the annual Cycling Class bike race on the village square June 19.
The East Troy Cycling Classic is part of the Tour of America’s Dairyland bike race and is in its fourth year in East Troy.
Last year the 11-day event featured 650 racers competing daily for more than $150,000 in cash and prizes, before an estimated 60,000 fans.
“Being part of the Tour of America’s Dairyland is given East Troy a huge opportunity to showcase our town,” Chamber Executive Director Vanessa Lenz said Tuesday morning. “The event features pro and armature racers from around the world. This race gives people the opportunity to experience what a great community we have.
“Our goal is to host a big community event, complete with entertainment and family fun that’s free to the community.”
The race is held on the village square, which is closed off for the day while various groups of racers make the circuit beginning on Church Street, to School Street, to Division Street, to Main Street, Austin Street and back to Church Street.
For some of the residents and businesses located on the route, this can be a bit of a problem.
Alvin Bourdo, who lives on the route, said the race makes it difficult for him to come and go from his house as he needs to on that day and asked the board to consider not holding the race on the square.
“The idea of a large group like this coming into the village and squatting for the day bothers me,” Bourdo said. “It’s just not right.”
Bourdo said he thought the Walworth County Fairgrounds or a route around Lake Beulah would be better for an event like this.
Village Trustee Ann Zess thanked Bourdo for attending the meeting and bringing his concerns, but pointed out that the Cycling Classic is a big event that the village is “known for.”
Zess, who is also a member of the Chamber, said the Chamber works hard to make the day as easy as possible for the businesses and residents who live on the route because they know how difficult things can be when the roads are closed off.
Zess said the Chamber has made arrangements for free parking at Chester Byrnes School and will have golf carts available, through the donation of the East Troy High School Sports Booster Club, to ferry to and from their homes or locations on the square. She said Bourdo would be able to call a number and be picked up and taken to his car or house whenever he wanted.
“We understand it’s an inconvenience for residents and businesses along the route, but we want to work with people during the planning process to make thing as smooth as possible,” Lenz said Tuesday.
Village Board President Randy Timms and Trustee Dusty Stanford both spoke on the importance of having the race on the square because of the recognition it brings to the community and the crowd it draws.
Bourdo said he didn’t want to be a problem, but felt he should speak on behalf of the people who lived on the route. He said if he had a number to call and a way to and from his house and car that didn’t require him walking, it would be okay.
Anyone with concerns or questions about the race, should contact the Chamber at (262) 642-3770.
Title changes
The board approved removing the “acting” from the deputy treasurer and deputy clerk positions Monday and appointed Lorri Alexander as deputy clerk and Judy Spaight as deputy treasurer.
Airport Advisory Committee
The Village Board also approved three new members to the Airport Advisory Committee Monday night.
Matt Johnson, citizen member, and airport users Sam Taber and Don Voland will serve two-year terms on the committee, ending Dec. 31, 2016.
