We’d heard rumors of a UCI race coming to Bend, Oregon, and this release confirms it. What we didn’t realize was that it’s the USGP that’s making a move, leaving its long time home in Portland.
From USA Cycling:
Bend, Oregon, to host the US Gran Prix of Cyclocross presented by Greenware@ Season Finale December 10-11, 2011
Officials from the US Gran Prix of Cyclocross announced today that they have accepted a bid from Visit Bend to host the final two races of the U.S. Gran Prix of Cyclocross series presented by Greenware®.
The 2011 US Gran Prix of Cyclocross (USGP) is a four weekend, eight race series composed of the Planet Bike Cup in Madison, WI, on September 24 and 25; The New Belgium Cup in Fort Collins, CO, on October 8 and 9; The Derby City Cup in Louisville, KY, on November 12 and 13; and The Deschutes Brewery Cup in Bend, OR, on December 10 and 11. Each of these race weekends will see the deepest, strongest and fastest cyclocross fields in a series format in the United States.
The USGP races in Bend are slated for December 10-11, 2011, and will be held at Bend’s Deschutes Brewery in the heart of the Old Mill District, following a course similar to the course featured in the 2009 and 2010 USA Cyclocross National Championships. The December USGP races are the final races of the USGP’s four weekend eight race series. The December races were previously hosted in Portland.
“Bend has established itself as one of the epicenters of North American cyclocross,” said Bruce Fina with the USGP. “As a community, Bend has proven they can host world class cyclocross events and they have convinced us that they will be excellent partners for our organization, our racers and our sponsors.”
The USGP is expected to bring 800 racers and an additional 2,000 visitors to Bend for the two day event. “Cycling is a big part of Bend’s culture and has emerged as an important component of our tourism strategy,” said Doug La Placa, president/CEO of Visit Bend. “Hosting the USGP is an honor for Bend and will provide a much needed stimulus to our regional tourism industry during an otherwise slow time of year.”
More information on the 2011 US Gran Prix of Cyclocross presented by Greenware® can be found at www.usgpcyclocross.com .
