The Vittoria Northeast Cyclocross Series p/b Clif Bar returns for another year in 2018. This year, organizers have changed the daily race schedule to have the Elite Women race in the marquee time slot once each weekend. Learn more in this series season preview.
The 2018 Vittoria Northeast Cyclocross Series presented by Clif Bar returns as a UCI series for the 2018-2019 cyclocross season. Well-known for its long-running history in the Northeast, the Series continues to grow with the support of returning title sponsor, Vittoria.
Cyclocross fans can follow the calendar through four weekends of competition on classic courses each unique to their different parts of the region in Gloucester, MA, Northampton, MA, Suffern, NY, and Warwick, RI. Riders will race for the coveted overall Vittoria Series jersey provided by Verge Sport.
“It’s been almost 20 years now since the New England Cyclocross Series torch was passed from Tom Stevens to me,” noted Series President Adam Myerson, “It feels good to see what we’ve been able to do in that time. With the support of Vittoria, Clif Bar, Cycle-Smart, the Series staff and the individual organizers, I think we’ll be setting the standard again this year for big events that can effectively serve riders at all levels. I’m excited about it.”
The Vittoria Northeast Cyclocross Series p/b Clif Bar returns in 2018. 2017 GP Gloucester. © C. McIntosh
A Big Schedule Change for 2018
A schedule change this year will impact the women’s and men’s elite fields.
On day one of each race weekend, the elite women will take the final time slot of the day with the pro men racing just before them. On day two of competition, the race order will be reversed.
“Cycle-Smart was the first UCI organizer to provide equal prize money to women way back in 2003, and we are always looking for ways to make the sport better for women,” Myerson said. “We’ve struggled with the schedule for years in terms of the men’s race always being the headliner and love the approach Trek CX Cup has taken by putting the women as top billing.”
“We decided to follow their lead and put the women last on Saturday while keeping the men last on Sunday. We think that approach will provide balance and should work out great.”
The Women’s race will be the marquee race one day each weekend during the 2018 Vittoria Series. 2017 GP of Gloucester Day 2. photo: Chris McIntosh
2018 Vittoria Series Calendar
Celebrating its 20th year, the CRAFT Sportswear Gran Prix of Gloucester presented by Ipswich Brewing will kick off the 2018 Series October 13 and 14 in scenic Stage Fort Park.
“There are a lot of memories in between starting in 1999 as a 150-rider, single-day race and lining up for the 20th edition as the lead-off to the northeast UCI cross season,” said Gloucester Executive and Technical Director Paul Boudreau. “We’re excited to celebrate 20 years of Gloucester with our cyclocross family.” Registration for the event is open on bikereg.com.
This year’s Verge Northampton International, on November 10 and 11, hosts one of New England’s favorite races and the oldest UCI race in the US.
“Even though this is the 28th edition of the race, we are always looking for ways to improve both the course and the race experience,” said Race Director, Cycle-Smart’s Alec Donahue. “Our kids’ races run by the Noho Cycling Club have grown to be one of our best and most popular features, aside from our famous rooty run-up in Look Park.”
Curtis White took his fourth straight win at NoHo on Sunday. 2017 Northampton International Day 2. © Chris McIntosh
Returning to the series for a third year is Supercross Cup, November 17 and 18, in Suffern, N.Y. With its “World Cup-style” venue at Rockland Community College boasting rolling hills and tricky off-cambers, Supercross tests even the most steel-nerved of racers. But what sets Supercross apart is truly its amenities, notes Race Director Myles Romanow.
“We have a great relationship with the venue, a full college campus, that offers locker rooms, hot showers and even indoor space for our kids’ activities if we face inclement weather.” In addition to a host of activities for young children not yet of racing age, Supercross will offer free race registration for Juniors.
The Vittoria Series grand finale will be at the NBX Gran Prix of ’Cross. Goddard Memorial State Park in Warwick, Rhode Island December 1 and 2. The final chapter of the Series showcases the essence of cyclocross in New England with its twists and turns, rooty descents and the legendary long beach sections.
Follow Along This Season
The Series continues to grow and push the boundaries of the development of the sport thanks to involvement from sponsors such as Vittoria.
“Vittoria is excited to be back again for another season as the title sponsor of the premier cyclocross series in North America,” said Ken Avery, Vice President of Marketing and Product at Vittoria North America. “Adam Myerson has truly built something special, and we are honored to be the tire of choice. Look for the Vittoria Terreno line of clinchers and tubular tires on the podium.”
Watch the races unfold in person or by following tweets at @VittoriaSeries.
Follow on Facebook for race weekend highlights. For more information visit necyclocross.com.
