Known throughout the Northeast as 'New England world's,' the October 29-30 double treat of the Michelob ULTRA Grand Prix of Cyclocross races at Stage Fort Park in Gloucester, Mass., marks the East Coast debut of the 2005 Crank Brothers US Gran Prix of Cyclocross. The traditional seaside venue, long one of the highlights of New England circuit, attracts riders from all over North America with its guarantee of big crowds, fast racing, and a grab bag of weather conditions. Whether soaked in late October sun or blasted by ocean-driven rain, Gloucester's sweeping sandy race course never fails to foster back-and-forth racing with thrilling sprint finishes.
Coming into the Gloucester weekend elite men's and women's leaders Ryan Trebon (Kona) and Lyne Bessette (Cyclocrossworld.com-Louis Garneau) carry some great form and momentum into the event. Bessette has yet to finish off the top step of the podium this year; her winning streak stands at six coming into this race, and Trebon won the UCI Cat 1 Wooden Wheels Cyclocross in Granogue last weekend, finishing second the following day in Philadelphia. The return of local hero and two-time Gloucester winner, Tim Johnson (Cyclocrossworld.com-Louis Garneau) to the seaside course remains one of the weekend's highlights for New England 'cross fans.
