Cyclocross racing consists of many laps, approximately 1.5 to 2 miles each, on a course featuring pavement, wooded trails, grass, steep hills and obstacles requiring the rider to quickly dismount and carry the bike while navigating the obstructions before remounting. Similar to VRD's spring short track races, each category will race for 15 to 40 minutes, completing as many laps as possible in that time period.  

At both races, youth competitors - ages 10 to 15 - will kick off the competition at 5 p.m. and race for 15 minutes, while the never-ever and beginner racers will take off at 5:20 p.m., followed by sport racers at 5:45 p.m. The pro and open racers wrap up the evening at 6:20 p.m. The beginners and never-evers will race for 20 minutes, sport for 30 minutes and the pro and open category for 40 minutes. Races cost $20 for preregistered adults or $25 on race day and $10 for preregistered youth racers or $15 on race day. Cyclocross bikes are not required to race.

The final race of the Athletic Club at the Westin Mountain Bike Race Series took place Aug. 24 in Beaver Creek and VRD Sports Event and Partnership Director Beth Pappas says she is excited to continue the race season. "We started offering cyclocross races four years ago, and this year we look forward to welcoming back our returning racers and seeing some new faces who maybe haven't tried cyclocross before," said Pappas. "It's such a great opportunity to work with professional cyclocross racer Jake Wells, who is designing the courses, while continuing to promote the sport and prepare riders for larger races, like the upcoming US Open of Cyclocross in Boulder, Colo. this October."

Registration for the cyclocross races is available by going to www.vailrec.com/register and will be available on-site at both races from 4:15 to 6:15 p.m. An after party will take place at The Minturn Saloon following the Sept. 7 race and at The Dusty Boot in Eagle following the Sept. 14 race. During the after-parties, each racer will receive a free beer from New Belgium Brewing Company and be entered into a raffle for prizes. Additionally, the top three finishers in each category will also be recognized. 

 

The fall cyclocross races are presented by the Athletic Club at the Westin, East West Destination Hospitality, Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield, New Belgium Brewing Company and The Dusty Boot.

For more information on the cyclocross races and registration, call 970-479-2280, email bpappas@vailrec.com or visit http://www.vailrec.com/sports-activities/vail-race/mountain-bike-racing/cyclocross. For additional details on all VRD offerings and activities, visit www.vailrec.com. 

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