The Great Egyptian Omnium is a bicycle race that has three specific, equally important purposes. First, is to promote the region of “Egypt” or Southern Illinois to the rest of the cycling world and encourage visitors to one of the best biking destinations in the Midwest.

Our region is like none other in Illinois with hills and bluffs that will make a challenging course filled with natural beauty. Elevation changes will only add to the event with a topography not found anywhere else in Illinois.

Also Egypt is known for friendliness and hospitality with a relaxed atmosphere meaning a great visit for any participant or spectator. We will welcome visitors to our area knowing that once they come to Southern Illinois for this one exciting and fun filled event they will return and discover many more adventures in Southern Illinois .

Secondly, this race is a product of those that love cycling as a sport and as a pastime. They wish to introduce our region to a higher level of racing competition than you usually see in our area.

As this race expands it will encourage cycling to a new generation of riders and through that encouragement, foster a healthier lifestyle with exercise through biking as one of its key components and encourage cycling as a sport.

Lastly, this event has the purpose of demonstrating effectively to our region a greener option for travel and recreation.

There is no better feeling than to be at top speed on a bike with cool, clean air whistling past, as you roll through the tree lined roads and trails of Egypt. There is no hum of engines to interrupt the sounds of nature. It is just you, the road and the great adventure of cycling in Southern Illinois.