The second annual Pan-American Continental Cyclocross Championships returns to Covington’s Devou Park as part of the three-day Toyota Cincy3 Cyclocross Festival this weekend.
On Sunday, Nov. 1, the rolling hills of Devou Park will be transformed into a two-mile racecourse as the park and the City of Covington host the third largest cyclocross event in the country.
More than 700 riders from across the United States and Canada are scheduled to compete in the internationally sanctioned racing event. Nearly $10,000 in prize money is at stake.
The public is encouraged to attend this free event. Racing goes all day long Sunday from 8 a.m. to dark at the Devou Park Rotary Grove. Parking is available throughout the park. Food and drink will also be available during the races along with free massages provided by the students at Gateway Spa.
“Many people came to the races last year and were blown away by the atmosphere and challenging course,” said the Event Director Mitch Graham. “It is one of the most challenging courses in the United States due to the typography. The entire course is compacted into a viewable area so spectators get to see every aspect of the race.”
Compared to most bike races, cyclocross events are relatively short and are fast and thrilling from the start. Cyclocross is becoming very popular with youths and of the 700 participants more than 200 will be kids, from ages 9 and up.
Cyclocross is the fastest growing type of bike racing. It combines mountain biking and road racing and features obstacles including hurdles that force competitors to run for brief stretches while carrying their bikes.
The weekend kicks off on Friday, Oct. 30 from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. when the bikers will complete a trial run on the course.
The Covington Rotary Club will host a reception at the Behringer-Crawford Museum, following the trial run, from 5-8 p.m. to welcome the racers to Covington.
The public is invited to come meet and mingle with the racers. Complimentary appetizers will be provided and guests can purchase Braxton Brewery beer or wine for $5.
The Covington Rotary Club will also be at the race on Sunday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. selling concessions.
All funds raised from the welcome reception and the concessions on Sunday will benefit the Rotary’s Study Abroad program, which raises money to help send a Covington high school student to study abroad.
Pan-American Continental Cyclocross Championships