As far as StarCrossed promoter Zac Daab is aware, this year’s edition of StarCrossed will come with a first place payout better than any single race payout in the history of American cyclocross. One lucky, and supremely talented, man and woman will each walk away with $2,500 for standing atop the podium.
Francis Mourey outkicking Ryan Trebon at the 2010 StarCrossed. © Joe Sales
Last year, StarCrossed was a UCI race. This year, the Washington-based race is non-sanctioned for all categories, but that doesn’t mean they forgot the attractiveness of prize money with help from their new partner, Subaru. On the contrary, $2,500 for the elite men and women’s winner is more than the minimum required payout for the winner of a UCI C1 race.
Looking into the history of American Cyclocross payouts, we’ve found nothing so far to prove Daab’s boast incorrect, although we’ll have to ignore the 2013 World Championships in Louisville, KY. The next best payout for a single race stood $250 short, but that will ever-so-slightly change soon. If you were wondering, with the currency exchange from euros to dollars as of today, the winner of 2014 UCI C1 races will get $2,275.
On the plus side, because licences are not required at a non-sanctioned race, theoretically any rider with enough courage can compete in the elite fields for the prize money. The drawback? You better be fast, the advertised payouts on their website only go five deep, making the overall payout less than the lead pack of a UCI C1 race.
Russell Stevenson at 2011 Starcrossed. Photo courtesy.
