FOCUS to Reward Fast Starters in 2005 U.S. Gran Prix

A fast start is always a good thing in a cyclocross race and in the 2005 Crank Brothers U.S. Gran Prix of Cyclocross a fast start will also be a profitable thing. FOCUS Bikes, a German bike builder best known as sponsor for 2005 Cyclocross World Champion Hanke Kupfernagel, will sponsor the FOCUS First Lap Competition for all six stops of this years U.S. Gran Prix.

Awarded in four race categories – Elite Men, Elite Women, Juniors, and Masters 35+ - the FOCUS First Lap Competition will award cash prizes to the leading rider through the start/finish area on each race's opening lap. The fastest Elite Men and Women will net $100, while the Juniors and Masters stand to make $50 for the first lap “win.” Racers will be placed through the top-three – earning 6,4, and 2 points - and a running points tally through the season will finish with four overall FOCUS First Lap Competition champions crowned at the season finale in San Francisco. Overall winners will receive a FOCUS cyclocross bike frame.

FOCUS Bikes was founded in 1989 by Cyclocross World Champion Mike Kluge. Kluge's numerous national and international championships include three world championship titles in cross, mountain bike world cups as well as an incredible 10 German championships and winner of stages in the major national grand tours.

Along with Crank Brothers and presenting sponsor VeloNews, additional U.S. Gran Prix of Cyclocross sponsors include Clif Bar, Selle Italia, FOCUS, Cyclocrossworld.com, adidas, Mavic, and BikeReg.com


For complete U.S. Gran Prix of Cyclocross details, go to www.usgpcyclocross.com.