Winnipeg, MB – The Fort Garry Bike Club and the Red River Racing Bicycle Club are pleased to announce that Wallace & Wallace Fences Ltd. — a Winnipeg-based company specializing in commercial and residential fencing, gates, and doors—has signed on as title sponsor of the inaugural DarkCross cyclocross event. Wallace & Wallace heads up a strong roster of sponsors, including the Winnipeg Free Press and the Manitoba Egg Marketing Board.
DarkCross is a night-time cyclocross race that will take place on September 17 at the Red River Co-op Speedway, just south of Winnipeg. The race is sanctioned by the Manitoba Cycling Association and is part of the 2011 Manitoba Cyclocross Series. For more information about the race, see the official website at darkcross.ca.
“We are extremely excited about this race,” said Race Director Chris Huebner. “Manitoba has never seen anything like this.” He added: “Racing under the lights has really grown in popularity over the past number of years. Races like Starcrossed in Seattle and CrossVegas during the Interbike industry trade show in Las Vegas are among the biggest and most well-known cyclocross events in North America, attracting quality fields of racers and huge crowds.”
James Buhler, co-owner of Wallace & Wallace, commented “Wallace & Wallace is pleased to be partnering with DarkCross. As a local Manitoba company, we value being involved in the community and DarkCross presents a unique opportunity to support a local, all ages event that combines healthy living, eco-friendly transportation, and fun.
“The DarkCross organizing committee is excited to have Wallace & Wallace on board as we bring something completely new to the Manitoba bicycling community,” said Kevin Kilbrei, DarkCross Director of Marketing. “Having the support of Wallace & Wallace validates our efforts in what we foresee growing into an annual event which will draw people from neighbouring provinces and states.”
Co-organizer Andrea Tetrault explained: “This is as much a social event as it is an athletic competition. That is the appeal of cyclocross. DarkCross seeks to celebrate the social aspect of cyclocross by throwing a big Portland-style cyclocross party, complete with a beer garden and a live band. The Red River Co-op Speedway is an ideal venue for this sort of event. In addition to the lights and amenities, it offers all the features that make for a great cyclocross course and provides ample opportunity for spectators to get right up close to the racers.”
DarkCross will feature a variety of races for riders of all skill levels, from children to elite provincial racers. The racing begins and 5:00 pm and concludes with the elite A race, starting at 9:30 pm. Spectators are free and are encouraged to cheer for the racers and enjoy the live entertainment, concessions, and beer garden.
