National Cyclocross Spotlight Shines On Colorado

November 7, 2010 · Filed Under Cycling News · Comment 

U.S. gran prix of cyclocross from Jim Fryer/BrakeThrough Media on Vimeo.

For Colorado cyclists, Fall is cyclocross season.  This year the New Belgium Cup in Fort Collins hosts the third of four stops on the 2010 US Gran Prix of Cyclocross, adding to the ever-growing popularity of the sport.

Professional and amateur riders will compete over two days at the New Belgium Cup, with Friday events including a kids ‘cross clinic and the numbers ceremony.  Extra focus will be on Fort Collins local favorites, Georgia Gould, Meredith Miller, and dominating junior rider, Skylar Trujillo.

For those not as familiar with the sport, cyclocross might be to cycling what cross country is to running – only grittier. Races are a series of laps over varied terrain, which may include sand, grass, mud, and the mandatory obstacles which riders must dismount, carry the bike, and run to get through.  Cyclocross is a wonderful spectator sport, as the racers complete laps every few minutes, so there is always plenty of action happening right before your eyes.  Spectators with cowbells (or the occasional vuvuzella) are common, and Nascar fans will appreciate the inevitable crashes.

In addition to standard obstacles, a course highlight features this year will be a ‘flyover’, a staircase on one side and ramp on the other that cyclists must traverse each lap… just in case the thighs aren’t burning quite enough!

So whether racing or spectating, don’t miss this chance to get out with the nation’s top junior, amateur, and professional cyclocross racers.

Specifics:  The 2010 Greenware® USGP New Belgium Cup takes place on November 13 and 14 at 5757 South College Ave in Fort Collins and features two full days of amateur and professional racing. The event is free to the public but there is a $3 per day parking charge.  For more information about the New Belgium Cup and the USGP Series visit www.usgpcyclocross.com.  Registration for all races is available on BikeReg.com.

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