Slideshow below
(Photos © J. Maus)
With the massive success of cyclocross in Portland this year, it should come as no surprise that the season is set to end with a bang.
This weekend offers up a buffet of ‘cross events that just might hold everyone over until next year (although I doubt it).
The big news is that the nation’s most prestigious ‘cross series, the U. S. Gran Prix of Cyclocross will hold its grand finale, The Portland Cup, just a few miles north of downtown Portland. In addition to two full days of racing, international ‘cross stars will share their secrets at the first annual Superstar Cyclocross Seminar. And, as per usual with ‘cross, there will be not one, but two parties.
(To get you fired up for the weekend, check out my slideshow below from the 2007 Portland Cup.)
Created with Admarket’s flickrSLiDR.
According to USGP race director (and the man behind Portland’s Cross Crusade) Brad Ross, the USGP action starts Friday night with a kickoff party at Hopworks Urban Brewery (2944 SE Powell Blvd.). Brad says all the top pros are required to attend (to pick up their race numbers), “so it’ll be a great opportunity to have a beer and hang out with the nation’s top crossers.”
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of last year’s race.
Just who from cyclocross royalty will grace Portland with their presence? Already confirmed to race are perennial Portland powerhouses like Molly Cameron and Erik Tonkin, and national heavyweights including Jesse Anthony, Carl Decker, Ryan Trebon, Todd Wells (current series leader), and Barry Wicks. The nation’s top women ‘crossers will also be out in force. Portland superstars like Sue Butler and Wendy Williams will battle against series leader Georgia Gould.
The USGP will entail two full days of racing for both the pros as well as a full slate of amateur races (including kids!).
On Saturday night, the Superstar Cyclocross Seminar will bring together elite and World Cup level cyclocross racers and experts (like author of the ‘cross Bible, Simon Burney) for a panel discussion and Q & A session (entry fee is $21, see below for more details).
The climax of the weekend will no doubt be the 2008 Cross Crusade Awards Party and Prom. Judging from photos and stories from last year, that’s a party you won’t want to miss.
If you’re headed out to the USGP action (it’s at PIR, north of Kenton), Brad Ross says you can expect all the same great food vendors (bratz, frites, soup, chili, belgian waffles, Bobs Red Mill oatmeal, and Chris King Coffee) and lively expo area they had the Cross Crusade. Also, it’s $3 to park a car at PIR, so ride your bike, or take the MAX.
Here are details to all this weekend’s events:
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USGP Kickoff Party
Friday, 11/5: 5-8pm
Hopworks Urban Brewery (2944 SE Powell Blvd.)
USGP Portland Cup Day 1
All day Saturday, 11/6 (full schedule here)
Portland International Raceway (1940 N Victory Blvd.)
Superstar Cyclocross Seminar (site)
Saturday, 11/6: 7-10 pm
VFW Hall #907 825 SE Mills Ave Portland Oregon(on 9th between Division and Hawthorne)
Entry is $21.00 through Bikereg.com or at the door.
USGP Portland Cup Day 2
All day Saturday, 11/6 (full schedule here)
Portland International Raceway (1940 N Victory Blvd.)
2008 Cross Crusade Awards Party and Prom (site)
Sunday Dec. 7th (after USGP race at PIR)
Staver Locomotive Building (2537 NW 29th Ave.)