From event organizers:
National Cycling Event Dec. 10-11 Brings Hundreds of Cyclo-cross Riders to Jackson Park
Pro Racer Kerry Werner to Hold Pre-Ride Clinic Dec. 9HENDERSONVILLE, N.C. (Nov. 29, 2016) – – The nation’s top cyclists in the sport of cyclo-cross will descend on Hendersonville Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 10-11, for the Hunter Subaru North Carolina Grand Prix (NCGP). Returning to Jackson Park, NCGP is the only cycling event in the state to host internationally-sanctioned cyclo-cross races for the top professionals. A total of 32 categorized races will be held for top-level elite, collegiate and amateur cyclists over the two days.
The Elite Women’s and Men’s events held both days are Category 2 (C2) level competitions, part of the USA Cycling Professional Cyclocross Calendar (Pro CX). Athletes compete for national points and more than $6,400 in prize purse. NCGP is also part of the N.C. Cyclo-cross Race Series, which offers 14 races across the state. Four categorized collegiate races will be held on Saturday for men and women.
The 212-acre Jackson Park is largest county-owned park in Western North Carolina. A three-kilometer course for NCGP will take competitors across dirt, grass, and pavement, offering off camber turns and challenging sand sections. Conveniently located to downtown Hendersonville, the course at Jackson Park provides convenient viewing areas for spectators.
“We expect a real festival atmosphere at Jackson Park for the races. It is a great opportunity for all our regulars with the North Carolina Cyclo-cross Series to race on the same course as the pros, and then watch and heckle the top pros in the country, who travel to Hendersonville for the national points and spotlight,” says Tim Hopkin, founder and organizer for NCGP. “We appreciate the support from Hunter Subaru for the Grand Prix and from Giordana and Kask for the NC Cyclo-cross Series.”
Admission and parking for spectators is free. Also free of charge is a Pre-Ride Clinic with professional cyclo-cross racer Kerry Werner at 4:30 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 9. A former member of the Lees-McRae cycling team, Werner rides for the KONA Factory cyclo-cross team and is currently ranked third overall in Pro CX standings for elite men. Werner will lead riders of all levels around the course with tips on cornering, barrier technique, off camber riding, tire pressure and how to conquer the wall.
Registration for collegiate, junior, masters and elite racers ranges from $25 to $40, and is open online until Thursday, Dec. 8, at 11:59 p.m. ET. Day-of registration is available for non UCI races and closes 45 minutes prior to the start of each designated race. There is an additional $10 fee for day-of registration.
Follow the series at www.nccyclocross.com. Registration can be found at www.usacycling.org/register/2016-3272. Follow NCGP on Facebook (NCcyclocross). Follow the Pro Cyclocross Calendar on Twitter at @USACProCX.
SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
Saturday, Dec. 10
- 8:30 a.m. Men’s Masters 40+ Cat 4/5; followed by Collegiate C
- 9:15-9:18 a.m. Mixed Juniors (ages 9-12, 13-14, 15-18 Cat 3/4/5; Singe Speed)
- 10 a.m. Men’s Masters 50+ Cat 1/2/3
- 10:01 a.m. Women’s Cat 2/3; followed by Masters 40+; Collegiate A
- 11 a.m. Men’s Cat 4/5; followed by Women’s Cat 4; Women Collegiate B
- 12:20 p.m. Men’s Masters 40+ Cat 1/2/3
- 1:20 p.m. UCI Elite Women (Pro CX)
- 2:30 p.m. UCI Elite Men (Pro CX)
- 3:45 p.m. Men Cat 2/3
- 3:46 p.m. Men Collegiate A/B
Sunday, Dec. 11
- 8:30 a.m. Men’s Masters 40+ Cat 4/5
- 9:15-9:18 a.m. Mixed Juniors (ages 9-12, 13-14, 15-18 Cat 3/4/5; Singe Speed)
- 10 a.m. Men’s Masters 50+ Cat 1/2/3
- 10:01 a.m. Women’s Cat 2/3; followed by Masters 40+;
- 11 a.m. Men’s Cat 4/5; followed by Women’s Cat 4
- 12:20 p.m. Men’s Masters 40+ Cat 1/2/3
- 1:20 p.m. UCI Elite Women (Pro CX)
- 2:30 p.m. UCI Elite Men (Pro CX)
- 3:45 p.m. Men Cat 2/3
Cyclocross 101
This is like stock car racing, bike racing, and a steeplechase all rolled into one. It’s at Jackson Park, it’s a ton of fun to watch, and it’s a big party atmosphere. Cyclo-cross racing was developed in Europe in the early 1900’s as a way for road cyclists to remain fit during fall and winter. Today, cyclo-cross is one of the fastest-growing disciplines in the U.S. Spectators are right next to the action and the race course passes you in all different directions. Circuits are typically 1.5 to 2 miles long, and feature obstacles that may force the rider to dismount their bicycle. Riders race around an off-road circuit on bicycles that look very similar to road bikes, but have been built to take on the demands of rougher off-road racing. Multiple laps showcase the phenomenal skills and speed of elite riders.
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