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Tony Quinones, 42, of Chicago.

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Mary Roe, 47, of Villa Park.

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Kyle Verb, 8, of Deerfield.

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Claire Tortorelli, 15, of Champaign.

Glencoe streets were dotted with more cyclists Aug. 10 as racing fever took over the village. Competing in 12 races throughout the day, cyclists from all over Illinois and the world strapped on their helmets and took a ride around the suburban course.

NeighborhoodCircle.com asked four racers how they felt about the Grand Prix course as well as how they got into the sport.

Tony Quinones, 42, of Chicago, a multicultural marketing agent
First year in Glencoe Grand Prix, Masters 30+ Cat 4/5 race

• How did you get into cycling?
I needed a way to keep active. I tried different sports and cycling fit my body better.

• What kind of bike do you ride?
A Jamis.

• How do you feel about the Glencoe Grand Prix course?
It’s fast, which makes it hard. I’m used to the mountains in Phoenix.

• Do you have any tips for people who might want to get into cycling?
Your body will get used to [the workout].

• Are you excited about the cycling events on the Olympics?
I was watching it yesterday [Aug. 9]. It was great.

Mary Roe, 47, of Villa Park, a registered nurse.
First year in the Glencoe Grand Prix, Women Cat ¾ race

• How did you get into cycling?
I was doing triathlons, but my knees weren’t taking it well. I started riding my bike more. I had friends doing this and since I was spending more time riding, why not try racing?

• What kind of bike do you ride?
A Blue lightweight aluminum.

• How do you feel about the Glencoe Grand Prix course?
The course is pretty fun, but fast. You go two blocks and then there’s a corner and the speed really whipped up. I was in the back, but I was able to work on cornering by myself.

• Do you have any tips for people who might want to get into cycling?
Always wear a helmet, get a decent bike, find people who ride to start out.

• Are you excited about the cycling events on the Olympics?
Yeah, I was watching it the other day when they were riding in the hot weather and in the smog, but the pros get paid pretty well. It was great to see them racing around the Great Wall.

Kyle Verb, 8, of Deerfield, a student
First year in Glencoe Grand Prix, Kids Race 8 and 9 years old

• How did you get into cycling?
My dad was training for the Iron Man. I like to ride and my dad saw in the paper that there was a bike race.

• What kind of bike do you ride?
A fast Schwinn.

• How do you feel about the Glencoe Grand Prix course?
Looks pretty easy.

• Do you have any tips for people who might want to get into cycling?
Bike riding is fun. You need good balance to pedal.

• Are you excited about the cycling events on the Olympics?
I’m going to watch it.

Claire Tortorelli, 15, of Champaign, a student
First year in Glencoe Grand Prix, Junior 15-18 race female Gold Medal winner

• How did you get into cycling?
My brother does it [cycling] and so does my dad. It’s a family thing.

• What kind of bike do you ride?
A Dolce.

• How do you feel about the Glencoe Grand Prix course?
I really liked it. My last race I got lost so this is really easy to remember and everything is marked off.

• Do you have any tips for people who might want to get into cycling?
Do it for fun.

• Are you excited about the cycling events on the Olympics?
Ya it’s really cool. I was watching it live streaming [on the Olympic Web site] late last night [Aug. 9] and I fell asleep.

Weren’t able to see the Glencoe Grand Prix in person? Check out videos from the event.

Did you participate in the Grand Prix? Share your experience in a blog or share your photos .

By: Heather Leszczewicz | Staff Writer At 08/10/2008 - 5:28pm |  |  |