Nebraska Cycling News

The 2006 Nebraska Cyclo-cross Series continues Saturday and Sunday, November 18-19, 2006 at Pioneers Park in southwest Lincoln. The Nebraska "No Fear" Championship Weekend will serve as the finale of the 2006 Nebraska Cyclo-cross Series as well as rounds 2 and 3 of the Maxxis Midwest Cyclo-cross Series. Sunday's race will also double as the Nebraska USCF Cyclo-cross Championship. (To be eligible for a state championship medal, you must be a Nebraska resident who is an annual license holder.)

A cash prize list of $1000 will be awarded each day. In addition,there will be free food, drink and a raffle both days.

Dubbed the "steeplechase of cycling," the race action begins at 12:00pm on Saturday with a full schedule of races for all ages and abilities including the Women's Category 1/2/3 race at 2:45pm and the Men's Category 1/2/3 event at 3:45pm.

Sunday's races begin at 10:00a.m. with the Women's 1/2/3 race at 11:00a.m. and the Men's 1/2/3 race at 1:30p.m.

Women competing in the weekend's Category 1/2/3 Women's events may enter the Men's 3/4 events at no charge with a paid Women's "Open" entry fee.

Competitors and spectators alike are encouraged to bring an item of winter clothing including gloves, jackets, hats and sweaters, which will be donated to the Lincoln People's City Mission.

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, which 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 friends and/or 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 Pioneers Park for both the Saturday and Sunday races as well as online at http://www.velosource.com/.

For more information regarding the Nebraska Cyclo-cross Series, please
contact: John Lefler, Jr. -- Race Director
john.lefler.jr@gmail.com