Pacific Northwest Hosts US Gran Prix Opener

Two of America’s ‘cross craziest cities – Portland, Ore. and Tacoma, Wash. - host the opening pair of races in the 2005 Crank Brothers US Gran Prix races Oct. 8 and 9. Portland’s Alpenrose Dairy is the site for the Cannondale Stumptown Cyclo-cross Classic on Sat. with race director Brad Ross expecting more than 800 racers for the US Gran Prix opener, the biggest single-day race ever held on US soil. On Sun., racers will trek an hour north to Tacoma’s Ft. Steilacoom Park for the Rad Racing Gran Prix of Cyclo-cross.

Saturday’s event doubles as the second race of the River City Bicycles Cross Crusade, the Portland region’s wildly popular cyclo-cross series.

“This is the River City Bicycles Cross Crusades marquee event,” explained Portland’s Brad Ross. “For any cycling fan interested in watching America’s most talented cyclo-crossers at speed, this is your chance. And for any cyclist looking to try cyclo-cross themselves, the Crusade offers a fun-filled opportunity, whether you’re a beginner or an expert.”
A number of Oregon riders will be favorites to grab part of the UCI Cat 1Cannondale Stumptown Cyclo-cross Classic’s $8,000 purse on Sat. Local ‘cross talent includes 2004 Cross Crusade champion Barry Wicks and 2004 U.S. National runner-up Ryan Trebon, both of Corvallis; Portland’s Rhonda Mazza, third in the 2004 U.S. Nationals; and Gina Hall of Ashland. Also expected is defending 2004 U.S. Gran Prix of Cyclo-cross champion Ann Knapp of Seattle.

Other nationally ranked riders expected to compete include Canadian National Champion Geoff Kabush of British Columbia, defending New England series champion Mark McCormack of Boston, Ben Jacques-Maynes of San Francisco, Josie Beggs, of San Francisco, and more.

The Steilacoom course is a mainstay for Northwest cyclo-cross and is famous for the 80-meter thigh-busting Kona Knapp Time Run-Up named for local cyclo-cross legend, Dale Knapp.
The course is split evenly between dirt and pavement and features a long start/finish section before tackling the Kona Knapp Time Run-Up and several smaller climbs.
Previous winners on the tough Steilacoom course have included Erwin Vervecken, Alison Dunlap, Adam Craig, and Gina Hall. Top riders expected to appear at this year’s UCI Cat 2 race include: Ryan Trebon, Barry Wicks, Adam Craig, Mark McCormack, Jesse Anthony, Geoff Kabush, Jeremy Powers, Erik Tonkin, Jonny Sundt, Ann Knapp, Josie Beggs, Rhonda Mazza, and Wendy Simms.

The Rad Racing Gran Prix of Cyclo-cross is a fundraiser for the Rad Racing Northwest Junior Developmental Cycling Team. 100% proceeds from the race go towards assisting Rad Racing team members in attending the 2005 US National Championships in Providence, Rhode Island.

Along with Crank Brothers and presenting sponsor VeloNews, additional U.S. Gran Prix of Cyclo-cross sponsors include Clif Bar,Selle Italia, Focus Bikes, Cyclo-crossworld.com, adidas, Mavic, and BikeReg.com

All six races will be held under UCI category and competition regulations. U.S. Gran Prix of Cyclo-cross Series leaders will be recognized at the conclusion of each event with leaders’ jerseys.
Overall winners in the Elite Men, Elite Women, U-23, and Junior Men categories will receive automatic selection to the World Cyclo-cross Championships in Zeddam, Netherlands, Jan. 28-29, 2006. Master 35+ Men will also be ranked.