by: Brian Hancock and Christopher Jensen
New for 2017, the five largest cyclocross races in Michigan have joined together to form the Michigan Cyclocross Series (MICX Series) presented by Bike Law Michigan. A geographically diverse selection of USA Cycling-sanctioned races highlight all that the lower peninsula has to offer, presenting racers a range of course styles across the events. Flyovers, tunnels, fortresses, staircases and a forest all play a part in the racing.
Every race features a full roster of categories for Men, Women, Juniors, Masters, and Singlespeed. Races are classified to allow new or uncategorized racers an opportunity to race to their ability.
MICX believes in pay equality, and Men’s and Women’s prize purses will be equal. Free kids’ races will be featured in the middle of the day to give even the smallest fans an opportunity to race! Timing and scoring are provided by One2Go Event Services – the same folks who bring you results for the U.S. Cyclocross National Championships.
Last year, even the bagpipers came out for the Alma Grand Prix. Alma, Michigan is “Scotland, USA” and is home of the Alma College “Scots.” A bagpiper from the college comes to play a few bars for racers. Here, Luke Ashton, a senior, plays in his final Alma Grand Prix of Cyclocross. photo: Middy Matthews
This year the following five races are part of the MICX Series:
September 9: Avalon Pontoons Alma Grand Prix of Cyclocross & 5k – Alma, MI
October 7: Beer City Growler & 5k – Grand Rapids, MI
October 28: Bloomer Park ’CX – Rochester, MI
November 11: Mad Anthony ’CX – Detroit, MI
November 18: Advantage Benefits ’CX – Rockford, MI
Series rules, as well as more information, is available at the series website, www.MichiganCX.com.
Bike Law Michigan is bringing a new five-race series to the Lower Peninsula this fall.
