"Coming off a highly successful second edition of the Crank Brothers U.S. Gran Prix of Cyclocross, we are pleased to announce an exciting schedule for 2006," said Paul Salvucci, U.S. Gran Prix Director of Operations. "The combination of continued growth in the sport, highly motivated promoters, fantastic venues, and supportive sponsors will all blend to help bring the U.S. Gran Prix of Cyclocross to a higher level."
The 2006 U.S. Gran prix will open on the legendary fields of Stage Fort Park in Gloucester, Mass. October 7-8. A true New England cyclocross classic, the Gloucester weekend guarantees great courses and predictably unpredictable weather, all in one of the country's true hot bed's of 'cross.
"We're excited to once again host two stops of the U.S. Gran Prix Series," said Paul Boudreau, promoter of the Gloucester races. "Being a part of the series for the past two seasons has helped the Gloucester cross events meet and exceed its goals of bringing world-class racing to New England.
The Series will continue November 4-5 in the thin air of Boulder, Colo., the first time the U.S. Gran Prix has stopped off in the Rocky Mountains. Renowned for producing some of the best road and mountain bike racers in the country, Boulder has also maintained a hard-core 'cross scene for as long as 'cross has been raced in North America.
"We are very proud and excited to work with the premiere cyclocross series in North America," said Chris Grealish, promoter of the Boulder races. "As one of the founding promoters of the original national cyclocross series, we are already working full time to ensure that our venues and athlete amenities set a new standard for big time cross racing in the USA. There has been an outpouring of support and offers of assistance from the city of Boulder parks and recreation department and Boulder convention and visitors department of the chamber of commerce, as well as many local racing clubs. Our team, Denver Boulder Couriers Cycling Club, has personally witnessed eight world cyclo0cross championships in Europe and looks forward to sharing some of the course layouts that have produced incredibly exciting events."
The series will conclude in the Pacific Northwest, November 18-19 with two new race venues, Lacey, Wash. and Portland, Ore. The Washington race will be organized by RAD Racing's Jim Brown, who has run the past two U.S. Gran Prix stops in Tacoma. As well, Portland will be put together by Brad Ross, the man responsible for the 2004 U.S. National Championships and the Stumptown Classic U.S. Gran Prix races.
"Portland loves being part of the Crank Brothers U.S. Gran Prix of Cyclocross," said Ross, promoter of the Portland race. "This has become a hotbed for the sport and now many of the top pros including Ryan Trebon, Barry Wicks, Adam Craig, and Rhonda Mazza live here. For the past two years we've been the kick off event of the U.S. Gran Prix and we are thrilled to have the opportunity to be the season finale now. In addition to great racing, we are pretty proud of our ability to throw a party and we promise to put on an awards ceremony that won't soon be forgotten."
"As the discipline of cyclo-cross continues to thrive in the United States, the U.S. Gran Prix of Cyclocross continues to provide a stage on which the best American riders can perform and raises the level of competition domestically," said Justin Rogers, USA Cycling's National Events Director. "A dedicated elite-level series also puts our riders on pace to eventually become a force globally."
The Crank Brothers U.S. Gran Prix of Cyclocross Series schedule for 2006:
October 7-8 Grand Prix of Gloucester, Gloucester, Massachusetts
November 4-5 Boulder, Colorado
November 18 Lacey, Washington
November 19 Portland, Oregon
