US Cup Unification Race pits East vs. West
Bonelli Park finale draws top contenders from both series
The US Cup will hold its series finale in Bonelli Park, California, on Sunday, September 20, with a unification race that will pit top US Cup East and West cross country mountain bike racers against each other for top bragging rights.
The shootout is open to all pro and amateur riders, whether they competed in the series or not; however, only the top 15 riders in each class from either series standings will be awarded starting points to vie for the US Cup Unification series title and champion's jersey. Riders who haven't competed in either series will still be eligible for the one-day US Unification Cup title.
In the men's elite field, Sho-Air / Specialized's Sid Taberlay, the winner of the west series will go up against east coast series winner Sam Koerber (Gary Fisher 29er crew). West coast cup winner Krista Park (Incycle Team) will take on east coaster Jamie Dinkins (Motor Mile Racing Team) in the elite women's competition.
Working in conjunction with the southern California cyclo-cross series, US Cup organizers have established a "C-X-C" racing weekend. Racers can compete in the cyclo-cross series kickoff on Saturday and then go for the US Cup unification title in the cross country race on Sunday.
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Sue George is an editor at Cyclingnews. She coordinates all of the site's mountain bike race coverage and assists with the road, 'cross and track coverage.