Nebraska Cycling News

Kansas City, Kan. - Competitors at the 2007 USA Cycling National Cyclocross Championships will receive complimentary energy drinks and energy gels, giant strawberries, comprehensive neutral support, the use of trainers for warm-up and even a free cup of coffee.

These are just a few of the perks being offered by the event's official sponsors for the competition Dec. 13-16 at Wyandotte County Park in Kansas City, Kan.

"We want every athlete - from the youngest to the oldest and from the B racer all the way up to the elites - to have the best racing experience possible," said Bill Marshall of KLM Marketing Solutions.

  
Many of the sponsors will be part of the Expo, which will be located in a massive tent adjacent to the course, near the finish line. A second large tent will serve as the athlete warm-up area. Inside the latter will be complimentary Gatorade, GU Energy Gel, 180 Energy Drink (courtesy of Anheuser Busch), California Giant Berry Farms berries and 20 new CycleOps trainers for warm-up (on a first-come, first-served basis).

Official KCCX-logoed race apparel (wool socks, hats and T-shirts) from Verge Sport is already on sale through the race website, www.kccrossnationals.com.

Individual sponsor glances (in alphabetical order):

Anheuser-Busch: Anheuser-Busch will provide a complimentary supply of its 180 Energy Drinks in the athlete tent and offer several brands of beer at the beer garden, which is adjacent to the Expo.

Big Shark: The St. Louis-based bicycle shop is an official partner to the championships.

Bike Source: The official bicycle shop of Nationals will set up a complete bike shop in the Expo, selling bicycle parts, equipment, clothing and official KCCX apparel. CycleOps wind trainers used in the athlete warm-up tent will also be available for purchase at a discounted price at the conclusion of the event.

California Giant Berry Farms: The official berry of Nationals continues to support cyclocross by offering samples in the athlete warm-up tent.

Chamois Butt'r: The area between the Expo tent and athlete warm-up tent will be dubbed "Chamois Butt'r Way" and feature a tremendous view of the race as it passes through one of its most decisive points. Chamoi Butt'r is made by Paceline Products.

Famous Dave's: Famous Dave's will satisfy big appetites in the Expo with a full menu of breakfast burritos, BBQ sandwiches, rib tips, grilled chicken sandwiches, hamburgers, hot dogs, grilled chicken salad wraps, chili and a full complement of side orders. The company will also provide meals for all race volunteers and staff.

Gatorade: The official Thirst Quencher of Nationals will have complimentary product available in the athlete warm-up tent.

GU Energy Gel: Each registered athlete will receive a GU packet in their goodie bag. The company will also provide gel packets in the athlete warm-up tent.

Holiday Inn Express Village West: The host hotel for the championships, conveniently located just minutes from the race course, is offering a special room rate of $104/night.

Maxxis: The cycling equipment company is providing samples of many of its products for giveaway and podium prizes for non-national championship races.

Mount Pleasant Winery: National champions will receive a bottle of fine wine from Mount Pleasant Winery. (Winners must be of legal drinking age.)

Muddy's: The event's coffee, pastry and fruit/granola/yogurt parfait provider will set up a full-service espresso and coffee bar (latte, mocha and hot chocolate) in the Expo. Every registered competitor and event volunteer will receive a coupon for one free cup of coffee!

Specialized: The official bike sponsor of Nationals will have its full outdoor demo truck on-site, with bikes and other products to try out. 

SRAM: As official supplier of neutral support, SRAM will provide mechanical assistance to all competitors.

VeloNews: "The Journal of Competive Cycling" will provide daily coverage of the championships on its website.

Verge Sport: Athletes and spectators can buy high-quality and warm KCCX-branded wool socks, hats and T-shirts from Verge Sport. All three items may be ordered through the race website or purchased at the Expo.

Vendor space in the Expo is still available. Contact KLM Marketing Solutions for details by sending e-mail to: info@kccrossnationals.com.

More than 1,500 athletes have registered to compete in races that feature more than two dozen categories over four days. Athlete registration is open through Dec. 8 (midnight EST). Official race apparel is on sale through the event's official website, www.kccrossnationals.com.