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Oct
31
Cross events are just what the industry needs
Filed Under Events, Industry News, Racing | Comments Off
I recently attended the Providence Cyclo-Cross Festival (Providence, RI October 8, 9) and Spooky Cross (Irvine,CA October 15, 16) and I must say I was duly impressed with both events.
The men’s podium at the Providence Cross Fest, presented by Interbike
While certainly not a new category, cross does seem to be steadily gaining consumer momentum as evidenced by the number of product introductions in the category and the growing quantity of racers. A good cross race has a certain epic quality to it, and a spectator element that is very appealing.
As I watched hundreds of riders compete on both sides of the country it occurred to me that cross events are helping accomplish the following…
Encourages more riding participation
Both events showcased race categories far beyond the elite men’s and women’s categories and included all sorts of enthusiast flights and even opportunities for children to get out and compete. I even saw a few costumed riders at Spooky Cross. Many riders told me that they are new to cross, and are riding more because of it.
Promotes use of cycling product
I was blown away by how much gear racers were using to participate at these events. And I’m not just talking about cross bikes (although there were plenty) but trainers, racks, apparel, helmets, sunglasses, tubes and tires, heart rate monitors and more. Many participants that I spoke to mentioned that they had just purchased new product to get ready for the race, and particularly forNew Englandretailers, late season sales are a beautiful thing. And of course cross season goes through the fall and into the winter months.
Cross exposes new eyes to cycling
while many spectators at both events were there to support a family member or friend racing, there were many more that were just there to enjoy the race. And what’s not to love? With speed, strength, endurance, grass, mud, obstacles and the occasional sand pit, cross is a great spectator sport and can help even non-enthusiasts get fired up about cycling.
More riders, more product sales, and an exciting way to introduce the non-ordained to our sport – sounds like the growth of cross is just what the industry needs.
Hats off to GSD events and Rock and Road Cyclery for making these events happen, and for all of the event promoters out there creating cross races across the country.
Jul
27
CrossVegas Wheelers & Dealers
Filed Under Cycling, Events, Interbike, Racing | Comments Off
From Brook Watts of CrossVegas comes news that registration for this year’s races will open on August 1. Also note some updates to the event for its third year. We will again be providing complementary shuttle service to CrossVegas from the Sands for registered Interbike attendees, exhibitors and media (bring your badge!). Here’s their press release:
July 26 (Boulder Colo.) The rush is on for entry into the biggest cyclocross race in the U.S. CrossVegas registration opens on August 1st at Noon Eastern Time for all categories. Categories include Elite Men, Elite Women and the Wheelers & Dealers presented by Mountain Bike Magazine race for bicycle industry members attending Interbike.
The 2009 edition of CrossVegas is scheduled Wednesday Sept. 23rd in Las Vegas following the first day of the Interbike show. Heading into its third year, CrossVegas has become a fixture on the U.S. cyclocross calendar attracting almost 10,000 spectators to the stadium setting of Desert Breeze Soccer Complex in Las Vegas.
Exclusive online registration is at BikeReg.com. Registration is limited for each category to 100 racers and is expected to fill rapidly.
In addition to competitor registration BikeReg.com will offer general admission ticket sales for the event. An admission of $8 per person has been created this year to cover the expense of fencing mandated by park authorities. “We’re victims of our own success,” explained CrossVegas co-promoter Brook Watts. “There have been serious traffic hazards created by fans parking in adjacent businesses and jaywalking major thoroughfares. As a result the fencing was required to mitigate the traffic issues as well as control fans hauling in prohibited beverages.”
Food and beverages sales, including beer, are available at CrossVegas beginning at 6:00 pm. In addition, Interbike will again provide a free shuttle bus throughout the night from The Sands Convention Center. “It’s the best bargain in Vegas,” explains Watts, “what else can you do in Las Vegas for eight bucks?”
Avoid the crowds at the gate and purchase tickets in advance for pick up at the Will Call window at the event or at the CrossVegas booth at Interbike.
The Wheelers & Dealers presented by Mountain Bike Magazine offers divisions for Men, Women, Media, Manufacturer, Retailer, Distributor and Advocacy. New this year will be Wheelers & Dealers number pickup at the CrossVegas booth at Interbike on Wednesday allowing racers a chance to avoid the rush at race time. In addition, the Wheelers & Dealers start time has been bumped to 7:00 pm to give racers and fans more time to get to the event after the show ends.
CrossVegas 2009 promises a great show for racers and fans alike. “If you’ve been to CrossVegas you know what an incredible show it is. If you’ve never been then you’ve got to come see the biggest race in the U.S. ” Watts concludes.
Complete information at: www.crossvegas.com
About Cross Partners LLC
Cross Partners LLC is a Boulder Colorado based group headed by Chris Grealish and Brook Watts that stages international cyclocross events including CrossVegas. The team has a combined 40 years experience creating and managing cyclocross events at every level.
Aug
5
CrossVegas: Industry Race and Free Shuttles
Filed Under Attendee News, Cycling, Exhibitor News, Industry News, Interbike, Racing | 1 Comment
Today we announced that we will be providing free shuttle service to CrossVegas this year for show attendees, exhibitors and press. Being over 6 miles off the Strip and with the huge interest in the race, we figured it was time to step up with some transportation for Interbike show goers. Shuttles will run from 6pm to 11pm – check our main website for details leading up to the show.
Also – and I know that the CrossVegas guys already announced it – I’m really excited about the new “Wheelers and Dealers” industry race this year. While I’m no cross racer myself, I can’t wait to see all my fellow industry working stiffs out on the Desert Breeze course like at the crit last year. I’ve heard that there’s some super-motivated guys out there all primed and ready to throw down at this race.
Not to be outdone, the USA Crits Finals return to Las Vegas this year. They’ve still got the Industry Cup race along with the pro races and have added a bunch of amateur USCF races to the schedule this year. Not sure if Ravi and his team will be letting in any ex-pros this year like Cipollini last year, but I’ve already heard a big name mentioned as interested in racing. I’ve got that former pro already scheduled for an interview during our “Good Morning Interbike” show from the Media Center this year – it just remains to be seen if he’ll be racing…
By the way, do you think ex-pros should be able to race the industry cup like Cipo did last year? How connected do they need to be to be an “employee”? The crit guys have their own set of official rules posted, but I still think that its’ a cool thing to have at the race – a once in a lifetime chance to race with a big name ex-pro. But that would mean that I’d actually have to race…
Read the whole release here.