Is the cyclocross season in the U.S. canceled? In many areas of the country, cyclocross racing in the format we’re used to looks to be off the table. That means more series and race cancelations, but not necessarily an end to organized cycling nor interaction with UCI cyclocross pros.
See updates from Michigan’s Alma Grand Prix, Georgia Cyclocross and Seattle’s MFG Cyclocross.
Georgia Cyclocross Series Hangs Up the Umbrella
Cyclocross in the South may still happen, but in Georgia, it won’t be under the Georgia Cyclocross Series umbrella. The series announced its cancelation, and Southeastern Cycling’s Trish Albert relayed the announcement:
Covid-19 has created a situation none of us could have ever imagined. It was an incredibly difficult decision to make, but the Georgia Cyclocross Series Board of Directors has decided to cancel the 2020 GACX Series. Considering local, state, and CDC guidelines and the impact they have on how we interact at races we feel like this is the best decision for everyone involved.
While we are incredibly disappointed to not have the series, we anticipate there will still be a handful of races this fall, just not under the GACX Series umbrella. Georgia Cyclocross turns 21 in 2021, and we are very excited to start planning next fall! In the meantime, stay safe so we can get back to some bike racing sooner rather than later!
The good news is that if we overcome this pandemic, in 2021 GACX will be of legal drinking age. Does that mean hand-ups won’t be a crime?
More info: georgiacx.com
Alma GP Continues with Call-Ups, Pro Attendance
While Alma GP’s promoter Brian Hancock would rather see USA Cycling pull the plug on all race permits this fall, he’s continuing with the Alma GP, albeit in a virtual and creative way.
There will still be call-ups, famous announcers, swag bags and big-name pros at his event. He’s even got a Worlds medalist from overseas attending.
Only this year, it’s all online. Hancock tells Cyclocross Magazine:
We’ve partnered with Tyler Cloutier, Sunny Gilbert, Stephen Hyde, Maria Larkin, and Mickael Crispin to join in on a Zoom call (the Alma GP Call-Up! presented by Avalon Pontoons) for a Q & A (hosted by Scot Herrmann and Mr. David Palan, our normal race announcers) followed by an online trivia game for participants.
It’s the most creative approach to bringing the cyclocross community together that we’ve seen. Call-up position matters, and the field size is capped at just 90 racers. No word yet on whether there will be tire width restrictions, but yes, jerseys or sleeved shirts are still required for the Zoom meeting.
More info: bikereg.com/46922
MFG Cyclocross Feels Like a Million Bucks
MFG Cyclocross, coming off its high in helping with the eventful, successful 2019 Lakewood USA Cycling Cyclocross Nationals, is feeling like a million bucks, despite the pandemic.
So much so, the promoters are hoping to raise a million bucks for charities this cyclocross season. Instead of hosting in-person racing at local venues, the MFG team will riff off of Tobin Ortenblad’s successful Big Ride to raise money for Black Lives Matter and Bike Santa Cruz County.
MFG has hopes of going even bigger than Ortenblad’s $100k effort by fundraising through its six-event series and giving participants a choice in where the funds are directed. Promoter Zac Daab explains:
“We will use all six of our 2020 dates, and challenge riders across the Pacific Northwest as well as the world, to join us on those days to come up with a riding challenge, set a fundraising target, choose a donation recipient, and have fun doing individual rides. We hope to raise $1,000,000 this season through our initiative.”
MFG is calling its plan “The Big Idea,” and it certainly will have a few big names, including 2019 US Cyclocross National Championship silver medalist Kerry Werner, 40-44 Cyclocross National Champion Tricia Fleischer and Rally Professional Cycling Team member Heidi Franz.
With The Big Idea, MFG emphasizes it’s not canceling the season, but reimagining it and perhaps, expanding it beyond the Pacific Northwest. Registration is free. While details are still being worked out, events will start on September 13 and continue through November 15th.
Get your GPS or smart trainer ready!
More info: mfgcyclocross.com
