US Gran Prix of Cyclocross presented by Crank Brothers to kick off this weekend in Louisville at the Papa Johns Derby City Cup presented by Toyota
With a world class field of athletes assembling in Louisville this week, the excitement is building for the first weekend of the US Gran Prix of Cyclocross presented by Crank Brothers – Papa John’s Derby City Cup presented by Toyota.
There is tremendous amount of anticipation around the national series as the country’s top ranked pro riders prepare to face the stiffest head to head competition this season. The local Louisville ‘cross scene is booming and athletes from across the region are gearing up for the return of the series that first brought UCI caliber racing returns to Kentucky.
“We are excited to assemble the nations top athletes together here in Louisville for the first ace off of the season. This year the cyclocross scene hs been somewhat splintered with the top riders choosing to race at different events. As was our mission from the beginning, the USGP puts the top riders together to square off. ” said Bruce Fina, Executive Director, US Gran Prix of Cyclocross.
With some rain predicted to begin on Wednesday and carry through Saturday, spectators and athletes alike should anticipate a soft and muddy course which will definitely favor the more technical riders and should make for an exiting and spectator-friendly weekend in the true cyclocross tradition.
The USGP Papa John’s Derby City Cup presented by Toyota will be held on a course set up at Champion’s Park. The course is comprised of fast straights, twisty turns, sand, several run-ups and will once again feature Louisville’s own version of The Green Monster – a flyover featuring a steep flight of steps up and steep ramp for the descent.
This weekend’s USGP kick-off comes on the heels of the first UCI World rankings of the season and the series will feature the best ‘cross racers in North America who continue their assault on the world cyclocross stage.
The Elite men’s races will feature three-time and defending USGP champion Ryan Trebon, and reigning National Champion Tim Johnson. Also lining up will be former USGP champ Barry Wicks, Jeremy Powers and teammate Jamey Driscoll. Jesse Anthony, Todd Wells and brother Troy round out the deep pro men’s field taking the start in Louisville.
In the Elite Women’s field, the USGP will feature reining USGP Champion and local favorite Georgia Gould, teammate Katerina Nash and former national team rider Rachel Lloyd. Also vying for the rights to claim the first USGP jersey of the season will be Amy Dombrowski, Rebecca Wellons, Maureen Bruno-Roy, and Canadian Natasha Elliot.
2008 Papa John’s Derby City Cup Schedule of Events:
Clif Bar Kids’ Clinic
Friday, October 24th 4:00 pm – 5:00 pm
The weekend kicks off with the Friday afternoon Clif Bar Kids’ Cross Clinic with Team Clif Bar athletes Brady Kapius and Troy Wells. Free to kids aged 10-16.
Friday Night Number Presentation Ceremony:
Fans can get a head start on the weekend’s fun by attending the Number Presentation Ceremony at the Louisville Slugger Field. There, the top male and female athletes will be given their start numbers for the racing beginning on Saturday. (Louisville Slugger Field, http://louisville.bats.milb.
Saturday and Sunday – USGP Race #1 and #2
Come on down to Champions’ Park on Saturday where spectators can watch the race action, shop the Expo for the latest in cycling gear, grab a slice (or two!) of Papa John’s Pizza. Racing begins at 8:00 and the Pros take to the course at 1:45pm.
8:00 am – Cat 4 Men
8:45 am – Junior 10-16
Cat 3/4 Women
9:30 am – Cat 2/3 Men
10:30 am- Masters 45+ / 55+
11:30 am – USGP Juniors 17-18
12:30 pm – USGP Masters 35+ (Cat. 1-3)
1:45 pm – USGP Elite Women (UCI Cat.2)
3:00 pm – USGP Elite Men (UCI Cat. 2)
About the US Gran Prix of Cyclocross presented by Crank Brothers
The US Gran Prix of Cyclocross presented by Crank Brothers kicks off October 25 – 26 in Louisville, Kentucky with the Papa John’s Derby City Cup presented by Toyota. The second stop will be the USGP Mercer Cup presented by Knapp’s Cyclery in West Windsor, NJ on November 15-16. The series will then return to Portland, Oregon for the fourth consecutive year for the Portland Cup presented by Stanley on December 6-7.
The Papa John’s Derby City Cup races are part of the US Gran Prix of Cyclocross presented by Crank Brothers — the premier cyclocross series in the United States. The six race series attracts the best racers from across North America. For more information on the USGP, visit www.usgpcyclocross.com.
