Nebraska Cycling News

The 2005 Nebraska Cyclo-cross Series begins this weekend with two days of racing on Saturday and Sunday, October 22-23 at Standing Bear Lake in west Omaha. The 6th annual Nebraska Cyclo-cross Series will award $700 in cash prizes at each event and offer a separate Women’s event and the addition of a “Singlespeed” race category. This is the opening weekend of the 6-race series, which will also feature races in Lincoln and Raymond. Racing begins at 12:00pm on Saturday with the Women’s race at 12:45pm and the Men’s “A” event at 3:00pm. Sunday’s races kick-off at 10:00a.m.with the Women’s race at 10:45a.m. and the Men’s “A” event at 12:30p.m. The complete race schedule and other race information is available at www.nebraskacycling.org/cyclo-cross.

Cyclo-cross is an event involving aspects of mountain biking, running, steeplechase and even auto racing! It sounds interesting, but more than anything it is very exciting for both participants and spectators! A cyclo-cross bike race takes place both on and off-road on a short, closed course, which is usually 1 to 3 miles in length. Artificial and natural obstacles are placed at various sections of the course that must be hurdled by the riders. Since these races take place typically in the fall and winter months, it can get a little muddy some days. That is where the auto racing influence comes in with cyclo-cross. A pit area is designated for the rider’s mechanic and crew, which usually consist of family members. This area is utilized for quick mechanical adjustments, cleaning off bike parts and even switching bikes! The pit area adds an element of excitement to cyclo-cross not commonly found in conventional bike racing. Ultimately, cyclo-cross provides a fantastic outlet for winter training for both the experienced and non-experienced racing cyclist.

Registration for the Nebraska Cyclo-cross Series is available on-site at Standing Bear Lake for both Saturday and Sunday as well as online at www.velosource.com .

For more information regarding the Nebraska Cyclo-cross Series, please visit: www.nebraskacycling.org/cyclocross

CONTACT:

John Lefler, Jr.

Race Director

402.499.2065