Here, Helen Wyman takes control at Gloucester in 2011. © Natalia Boltukhova | Pedal Power Photography | 2011
Next week’s second annual Midnight Ride of Cyclocross is the opening event of New England’s unique Holy Week of cyclocross, preceding two of the biggest events in US cyclocross: the Gran Prix of Gloucester and the Providence Cyclocross Festival. So many amazing races within a week and a half at such close proximity is a rare event. It will certainly draw some of the biggest names in cyclocross to New England, a region known as the epicenter of cyclocross in North America.
The big names in attendance won’t diminish the local, intimate feel of this race. With a spectator-friendly course located under the lights at Lancaster Fairgrounds, the Midnight Ride of Cyclocross offers racers a fast course with the extra challenge of night-time racing, taking racers through tight grassy turns and a unique section through a barn.
Watch British National Cyclocross Champion Helen Wyman, last year’s victor, take on Crystal Anthony, who soloed to victories on both days of the opening weekend of the Verge New England Cyclocross Series at Green Mountain Cyclocross Weekend. Mo Bruno Roy, racing strong this season, will surely pose a significant challenge to both Wyman and Anthony.
The men’s field brings Canadian Craig Richey to challenge some of New England’s strongest, including legend Adam Myerson and an up-and-comer whose season is starting off strong, Jeremy Durrin.
Helen Wyman will be leading two cyclocross skills clinics: one the day before the race, and one in the afternoon before the racing begins. Area amateur racers will have a fantastic opportunity to learn from one of the world’s greatest cyclocross racers in the middle of a winning streak. More information and registration can be found here: https://www.bikereg.com/Net/17120. To further celebrate the strong women of cyclocross, the race’s organizer has committed to offering two women’s races after the great showing in the one women’s race last year. “I’m thrilled to provide two races for the women,” said Gary David, who hopes to continue to develop an Elite Masters category for women within the Elite race, a move that is certain to continue the growth of women’s cycling.
The New England Holy Week of cyclocross will continue with the Gran Prix of Gloucester September 29 & 30 in Gloucester, Massachusetts and the Providence Cyclocross Festival October 6 & 7 in Providence, Rhode Island, both part of the Shimano New England Professional Cyclocross Series. The Night Weasels Cometh, a race night-time race on October 3, falls on the Wednesday between the two weekends of racing, making the Holy Week of cyclocross one like no other!
The Midnight Ride of Cyclocross presented by New England Athletic Cyclocross, is sponsored by Wheelworks. Make sure to stay tuned to midnightridecx.com and follow @MidnightRideCX on Twitter to stay informed of all the evening’s action!
