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Written by Alan Starrett
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Wednesday, 20 September 2006 |
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Downeast Cyclocross races kick off New England championship series
NEW GLOUCESTER, Maine - The nation's best cyclocross racers will once again converge on Pineland Farms in New Gloucester, Maine, to kick off the 2006 Verge New England Championship Cyclocross Series. With two full days of epic racing on Oct. 14-15, event organizers expect more than 500 entrants from New England, the mid-Atlantic, the West Coast and Canada.
 This year, the Downeast Cyclocross races follow hot on the heels of the Gran Prix of Gloucester (Mass.) weekend, which means racers chasing valuable international points will have four UCI events in little more than a week.
Race director John Grenier has redesigned the traditionally difficult Pinelands course, spicing up the Saturday and Sunday races with more pavement, more wooded trails and generally higher, drier grounds than in previous years. "This will make for a faster course," Grenier said, "but that doesn't make it any easier for the racers."
Last year, perennial New England powerhouse Mark McCormack spoiled former national champion Tim Johnson's return to cyclocross racing in soggy conditions. Grenier says with so many UCI points on offer and a total purse of nearly $8,000, the weekend should continue to attract the likes of McCormack and Johnson, and Olympians Mary McConneloug and Lyne Bessette - all of whom have graced the Pinelands course in recent years.
Local racers are also targeting Sunday's race, which serves as the Maine State championship. "Lots of racers decide to make a vacation of it," says Grenier. "It's the height of the fall foliage season, and there's no place more spectacular than Pineland Farms in autumn." In addition to the racing, Pinelands officials say the visitors' center will be open all weekend long and tours of the farms - including its world-class equine center, its dairy farm, its green houses and cheese-making facility - are available. Of course, the shops in Freeport - including the L.L. Bean retail store - are just a 15-minute drive away. Online registration for both events is available at www.bikereg.com. Racers can also register by sending a 2006 USA Cycling standard release form and check (Payable to Rainbow Cycle) to: John Grenier, 1225 Center Street, Auburn, ME 04210. Entry fees are: Elite Men: $30; Elite Women: $25; Masters 35/45, U-19 Juniors, B Men: $25, C Men, B Women, B Masters 35/45, Masters 55: $20; U-15 Juniors: $5 in all cases, with no late fee. All current national cyclocross champions will have their entry fees waived if they race in their jerseys.
In addition to local sponsors Pineland Farms, Rainbow Bicycle & Fitness, and Cyclemania, the Verge series is sponsored by Felt Bicycles, Greyhound Juice, Bikereg.com and Cycle-Smart Solutions for Cycling. Official series and race photography by Paul Weiss Photo/Video
This race is hosted by the Maine Cycling Club and the Portland Velo Club
Contact:
John Grenier
Rainbow Bicycle & Fitness
1225 Center St.
Auburn, ME 04210
T: 207-784-7576
T: 800-244-7576
F: 207-777-5533
www.rainbowbike.com |
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