BALTIMORE, Md. – The spotlight will shine on Druid Hill Park in Baltimore for international cycling the weekend of Oct. 8-9, 2016, as the Charm City Cross returns for a 12th year. Both days of cyclo-cross events for elite and amateur athletes will include Category 1 and Category 2 races sanctioned by the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI), the governing body for the sport of cycling. Charm City Cross is one of eight events in the country that offers C1 races for women and men that are part of the USA Cycling Professional Cyclo-cross Calendar (Pro CX).
Historically, the event has been held in mid-September. Hoping for cooler temperatures, organizers have moved the Mid Atlantic’s premier two-day cyclo-cross race to the second weekend of October. One of the new events added for Friday (6 p.m. at Druid Hill Park) is a cyclo-cross clinic for juniors, hosted by nine-time British cyclo-cross champion and an eight-time Charm City winner Helen Wyman of Kona Factory Racing.
“Charm City Cross has always been a standout event on the USA calendar. I’ve been hooked since my first trip to Baltimore and I’m looking forward to racing the world’s best riders again in Druid Hill Park this year. For the first time, I’ll be running a cyclo-cross clinic at this year’s event, along with Amira Mellor from our NEXT Wyman development team,” said Wyman, who is also a two-time European Cyclo-cross champion. Her NEXT Wyman development team is sponsored by local Baltimore bicycle shop, Twenty20 Cycling Co., located in Hampden. “Hopefully we can pass on some knowledge to some of the young riders from the region, who will be racing with the elites in years to come.”
Charm City Cross features 30 cyclo-cross races which will be contested by nearly 2,000 participants for the weekend. All events are held at Druid Hill Park, a beautiful 745-acre urban park established in 1859. Registration for cyclists ranges from $15 for the junior events and amateur Under-19 races to $45 for UCI elite racers. Online registration at http://ift.tt/2deQsge closes on Wednesday, Oct. 5 at 8 p.m. There is a nominal fee to register online with BikeReg.
Spectators are free for all races at Charm City Cross. Last year, it was estimated that 5,000 spectators and cyclists filled Druid Hill Park for the event. This year spectators will find free parking near the course at Druid Hill Park adjacent to a miniature food truck festival, beer garden provided by Union Craft Brewing, race announcers, music and kid’s races.
Schedule for both Saturday and Sunday
8:30 am – 20 minutes – Junior 9-14 Men and Women
9 am – 40 minutes – Cat 4/5 Men
10 am – 40 minutes
Cat 3/4 Women, Cat 1/2/3/4 Masters Women 40+,
Cat 4/5 9-18 Amateur Men & Women
11 am – 45 minutes – Cat 1/2/3/4 Masters Men 45+, Elite 9-18 Men
Noon – 45 minutes – Cat 1/2/3/4 Masters Men 35+, Cat 1/2/3/4 Masters Men 55+/60+
1 pm – Lil’ Belgians Kids Race
1:15 pm – 45 minutes – Cat 3/4 Men (field limit 135)
2:15 pm – 45 minutes – UCI Elite Women/U23 Women/Master Women 35+
3:15 pm – 60 minutes – UCI Elite Men/U23 Men
The course for Charm City Cross is 2.8 kilometers in length, a combination of pavement, flagstone walkway, grass, dirt, sand, and obstacles. There are as many as four areas for dismounts per lap. A short paver climb will take racers past the Zoo Mansion House. Spectators will enjoy multiple viewing locations that are close to the announcer’s stage and food area, such as the Flyover, a beglian-themed staircase and a double-sided sand pit.
For a detailed schedule of events, visit the official Charm City Cross web site, http://ift.tt/2cR4RUO. Follow the race on Facebook (CharmCityCross) and on Twitter (@C3CX). Follow the Pro Cyclocross Calendar on Twitter at @USACProCX.
Cyclocross 101
Cyclocross is a hybrid between road cycling and mountain biking. 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. Circuits are typically 1.5 to 2 miles long, and feature obstacles that may force the rider to dismount their bicycle. Multiple laps showcase these elite riders’ phenomenal skills and amazing speed.
About USA Cycling
Recognized by the United States Olympic Committee and the Union Cycliste Internationale, USA Cycling is the official governing body for all disciplines of competitive cycling in the United States, including BMX, cyclo-cross, mountain bike, road, and track. As a membership-based organization, USA Cycling comprises 64,000 members; 2,700+ clubs and teams; and 34 local associations. The national governing body sanctions over 3,100 competitive and non-competitive events throughout the U.S. each year and is responsible for the identification, development, and support of American cyclists. To learn more about USA Cycling, visit usacycling.org.
###
The post Two-Day Cycling Event in Baltimore with 30 Races Gains International Designation appeared first on Endurance Sportswire.
from Endurance Sportswire http://ift.tt/2deO5dm
via IFTTT
'Two-Day Cycling Event in Baltimore with 30 Races Gains International Designation' has no comments
Be the first to comment this post!