By Peter Hymas A North American cyclo-cross World Cup has been discussed for several years, but...
Will CrossVegas become North America's first 'cross World Cup? (Image credit: Jon Devich)
By Peter Hymas
A North American cyclo-cross World Cup has been discussed for several years, but recent meetings of 'cross organisations in Europe seem to make the prospect of a 2009 round across the Atlantic a stronger possibility than ever. The topic has been part of the conversation for both AIOC-Cross (International Association of Cyclo-Cross Organizers) and UCI Cyclo-cross Commission members at their recent respective meetings in Belgium and the Czech Republic.
Adam Myerson, an American professional cyclist and promoter, is a member of both AIOC-Cross, a private organization for cyclo-cross promoters, and the five-person UCI Cyclo-cross Commission. He attended the AIOC-Cross meeting held October 18 near the Kalmthout, Belgium World Cup venue and the UCI Cyclo-cross Commission meeting held October 27 in Prague following the Tabor World Cup.
"The UCI pre-calendar [for 2009-2010] has been established and the UCI has made room to go forward with CrossVegas [as a World Cup round -ed.]. A Wednesday in September has been set aside and everyone knows what race that is," Myerson told Cyclingnews. "The UCI and AIOC-Cross want an American race. CrossVegas is a big success, but there are still many things to be done if it is to be run as a World Cup."
Myerson emphasized that setting aside a date on the UCI pre-calendar only sets the groundwork for the establishment of the event as a World Cup, but by no means guarantees the event will take place in 2009 as the World Cup opener.
Brook Watts, CrossVegas race promoter, refused to comment.
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Based in the southeastern United States, Peter produces race coverage for all disciplines, edits news and writes features. The New Jersey native has 30 years of road racing and cyclo-cross experience, starting in the early 1980s as a Junior in the days of toe clips and leather hairnets. Over the years he's had the good fortune to race throughout the United States and has competed in national championships for both road and 'cross in the Junior and Masters categories. The passion for cycling started young, as before he switched to the road Peter's mission in life was catching big air on his BMX bike.
