|
Written by Alan Starrett
|
|
Tuesday, 05 September 2006 |
Gran Prix of Gloucester presented by SemEquip to Host the First Two Races in the Crank Brothers US Gran Prix Cyclocross Series
4 September 2006
 The 2006 Crank Brothers U.S. Gran Prix of Cyclocross will kick off its national series on the legendary fields of Stage Fort Park in Gloucester, Mass. on October 7-8 with two days of world class racing at the Gran Prix of Gloucester presented by SemEquip.
A true New England cyclocross classic, the Gran Prix of Gloucester presented by SemEquip guarantees great courses and unpredictable weather, all in one of the country's true hot beds of cyclocross. These two days of intense racing are hosted by Essex County Velo at Gloucester's Stage Fort Park -- voted one of the top venues for its challenging course, dramatic waterfront location and event organization in a recent VeloNews poll.
"We're excited to once again host two stops of the U.S. Gran Prix of Cyclocross series," said Paul Boudreau, Race Director, Gran Prix of Gloucester. "Being a part of the series for the past two seasons has helped the Gloucester `cross events meet and exceed its goals of bringing world-class racing to New England."
The Gran Prix of Gloucester races are part of the Crank Brothers US Gran Prix of Cyclocross --the premier cyclocross series in the United States. The six race series attracts the best racers from across North America who compete for the series overall championship and an automatic USA Cycling world championship berth.
With multiple National Championships to his name and three previous wins at the Gran Prix of Gloucester, pro Tim Johnson considers Stage Fort Park his home course. "Every year I look forward to racing in front of friends and family," said Johnson of Middleton, MA. "I can't wait to get back in front of the home crowd on what I consider to be my home."
Other prominent Bay State racers include six-time National Cyclocross Champion Jesse Anthony. "I grew up in this area and am psyched to have world class racing right here in New England," said Anthony.
Cyclocross races are short intense competitions punctuated by slipping, sliding, jumping, even hill running while carrying the bike. Always spectator friendly, cyclocross fans celebrate with cowbells, horns and even costumes. Essex County Velo will again sponsor a kid's race on Sunday.
"Our club members do a tremendous amount of work to make these races a success," said Boudreau. "Somehow, many of them still have the energy to race during the weekend!"
For more information on the Gran Prix of Gloucester, visit www.gpgloucester.com or contact race director Paul Boudreau at 978.335.3513 or
This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it
Gran Prix of Gloucester Event Sponsors
SemEquip
Best Buddies
US Gran Prix of Cyclocross
cyclocrossworld.com
Seyfarth Shaw
Mavic/Adidas
Mercury Brewing Co
KML Racing
Pedro's
Bay Road Bikes
Harborside Cycles
Riverside Cycles
Seaside Cycles
Atomic Cafe
Crank Brothers U.S. Gran Prix of Cyclocross Series Sponsors
Crank Brothers
VeloNews
Clif Bar
SRAM
Ridley Bikes
Selle Italia
Cyclocrossworld.com
Challenge Tires
YAKIMA
Mavic
VERGE
BikeReg.com
2006 Gran Prix of Gloucester Race Schedule
Saturday - Gran Prix of Gloucester Race #1:
US Gran Prix Race #1
Amateur categories 9:00am - 1:00pm
Elite Women 2:00pm
Elite Men 3:00pm
Sunday - Michelob ULTRA Gran Prix of Gloucester Race #2:
US Gran Prix Race #2
Amateur categories 9:00am - 1:00pm
Kid's Race (ages 5-10) 1:30pm
Elite Women 2:00pm
Elite Men 3:00pm
About the U.S. Gran Prix of Cyclocross
Teaming with prominent promoters in strong cycling markets and working in conjunction with USA Cycling and the UCI, US Gran Prix of Cyclocross attracts the best riders in North America to the series. For more information visit www.usgpcyclocross.com.
Essex County Velo (ECV), formed in 1996 to appeal to all cyclists, is the North Shore's fastest growing bicycle club with over 250 members. ECV sponsors events such as the ECV Kids Bike Race Series, a biweekly Time Trial Race Series, a cyclocross race and daily group rides for road and mountain biking for people of all abilities, racers and non-racers alike.
The mission of ECV is to enhance the opportunities for members to enjoy the numerous benefits derived from the simple, youthful act of riding a bike. In addition to social group rides and competition in road, mountain bike, and cyclocross racing, ECV is involved in all forms of bicycle advocacy and has sponsored numerous trails cleanups and work projects.
For more information on ECV visit www.ecvcycling.org or email Dan Tieger at
This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it
. |
; "Image"){kind=logo}
