Professional cyclists from around the country will converge on Virginia’s Blue Ridge for the chance to get their hands on a $10,000 total purse in the inaugural GO Cross Presented by Deschutes Brewery in Virginia’s Blue Ridge at Fallon Park on Sept. 30-Oct. 1.
Cyclocross can be described as a bike race in a steeplechase format with riders that hop on and off bicycles while leaping over barriers and sloshing through mud, navigating gravel pits, stairs, and barriers. The event is an official USA Cycling race, which will draw professionals from all over the country. The Roanoke Outside Foundation and East Coasters Bike Shop are organizing GO Cross.
WHAT IS CYCLOCROSS RACING?
Picture mud-splattered cyclists running up hills with bikes flung over their shoulders. Riders smoothly dismounting, leaping over barriers, then jumping back on. Loud cheers, the clanging of cowbells, camaraderie and fun. (performancebike.com)
Cyclocross courses are typically 1.5-2 miles off-road, although they may include pavement and include a variety of riding surfaces and obstacles including grass, dirt, mud pits, gravel pits, sand, stairs, barriers and a slew of other creative combinations.
The races are based on a set time (measured by numbers of laps), not distance. Depending on your category, a race can be as quick as 30 minutes (for beginners), or as long as 60 minutes (for pros). Race officials will see how quickly riders complete the first laps before deciding how many total laps will be completed.
For more information watch these helpful videos:
- A Day in the Life: Racing Cyclocross
- How to Ride Cyclocross – An Introduction For Road Riders
- Spectators Guide to Cyclocross
This style of race is designed to entertain rowdy crowds with epic wipe outs and heckling encouraged. Deschutes brewery and colorful commentators will make this event fun for racers and spectators alike.