I wouldn't go planning the Chicago Crit (Sun, 7/25) as your "A" race for this upcoming season. The Mayor's Office released an announcement on the city's 2010 event schedule earlier this week. Way towards the bottom (after endless banter on the binge eating fest that is the Taste of Chicago) is the following note regarding the Chicago Crit:

"Due to the challenging economy this year, the City was forced to cancel Venetian Night, the Chicago Criterium, the Chicago Outdoor Film Festival and Great Chicago Places and Spaces."

I suspect that promoters will try to locate a sponsor to cover the incredible cost of this great race, but right now the event must be on life support. I'd recommend focusing on Super Week (which concludes on that Sun, 7/25) or Glencoe (which takes place on Sat, 7/24).