Northwest ‘cross fans rejoice: Nationals are coming to Bend

A scene from the action at the
2004 ‘Cross Nationals held in Portland.
(Photo © J. Maus)

Local cyclocross racers and fans looking for some good news now that the season has ended got it yesterday: USA Cycling has officially awarded Bend, Oregon the honor of hosting the next two editions of the Cyclocross National Championships.

The news comes after tourism officials in Bend spent a year lobbying to get the event. They’re psyched because the event is expected to bring 2,000 competitors to Bend each year for the four days of racing, and between 3,500 and 4,500 additional visitors in the form of fans, media and support staff.

In a press release sent out by VisitBend.com, those visitors are expected to provide a “a significant boost for the local economy.”

Nationals were held in Portland in 2003 and 2004 (check out my photos) and since then they’ve moved to Providence, Rhode Island and Kansas City, Missouri.

Tentative dates for the events are December 10-13, 2009, and December 9-12, 2010. Sweetening the deal for Bend is that the US Grand Prix of Cyclocross, another major national event, will be held in Portland the week prior, which means many of the nation’s top racers and a healthy field of amateurs are likely to attend.