Aussie Hilton Clarke (Navigators Insurance) edged Christian Vande Velde (CSC) on Saturday to win the Alexian Brothers International Cycling Classic, the first of two days of racing in the Tour of Elk Grove.

Canada’s Gord Fraser (Health Net-Maxxis) took third in the 100km, 27-lap circuit race, run on a 3.7km course through the Illinois town.

Rachel Heal (Victory Brewing) of Great Britain won the 60km women’s event ahead of Mackenzie Dickey (Aaron’s) and Christina Dekraay (Team Fuji).

Racing continues on Sunday with the American Airlines International for women and the Gullo International Development race for men.