11 September 2014

Big Weekend of Cyclo-cross Racing in Boulder

Back to back UCI CX races

The only two UCI level races in Colorado will both take place this weekend in Boulder County. You will be able to watch the top level American cyclocross racers (and maybe a few of the Europeans still hanging around after yesterday's Cross Vegas in Las Vegas) at two different venues.

All the talk last night about Boulder, Colorado during the Cross Vegas race coverage was a bit embarrassing (and inclusive), especially since Cross Vegas is the biggest national cyclocross race in America and plenty of communities beyond Boulder have active cyclo-cross race schedules with very talented racers. When we consider growth of cyclocross (and in particular junior racers), it is far healthier to focus broadly and not limit a racer's potential in the sport to a zip code.

My point made, Boulder has two great days of racing planned this coming weekend. I live close by, in Denver, and plan to attend with camera in hand. Sunday I will be on site for over 10-hours. The prospect of sorting through thousands of photos after two days of shooting cyclocross overwhelms me, so if you see me chatting often with friends during the day and not taking your photo, I hope you will understand it is my way of lessening my later editing load.

Still, I am so looking forward to watching some great cyclocross racing this weekend!

Two big days / Two big events:

US Open of Cyclocross UCI 2
Boulder Cup UCI 1

This race is not just for the pros. You will also be able to race in the usual categories for men, women, and juniors. And then there is spectating...

© Photo by Karen Rakestraw of Pedal Dancer®


How to race and/or watch the race:

First, you will want to make sure you show up at the correct venue:

Saturday 9/13 - Boulder Reservoir - US Open of Cyclocross 7:30am - 5:25pm racing
Sunday 9/14 - Valmont Bike Park - Boulder Cup 8:00am - 5:15pm racing

Flyer - US Open of Cyclocross; Technical Guide
Flyer - Boulder Cup

Registration - US Open of Cyclocross Without Limits Production
Registration - Boulder Cup DBC Events

Course Map - US Open of Cyclocross
Course Map - Boulder Cup

Public Parking at Boulder Reservoir: dirt lot south of entrance gate
Public Parking at Valmont Park: north of the bike park, turn up Airport Rd and follow signs

*Category times are DIFFERENT each day, check the flyers closely for category start times.

Saturday at the Boulder Res - US Open CX course map 2014 (link)
Sunday at Valmont Park - Boulder Cup course map 2014 (link)

General Schedule of the day:
7:30/8:00am-noon - Mens and womens categories
noon to 3:00pm - Junior men, Men 35+1,2,3, Singlespeed, Junior women
Sat 3:20pm - Elite Women Start US Open CX; Sun 3:20pm - Elite Women Start Boulder Cup
Sat 4:25pm - Elite Men Start US Open CX; Sun 4:15pm - Elite Men Start Boulder Cup

Where to see the race? Best race viewing is typically at the run-ups, barriers, sand-pit, off-camber grass, beer garden and tricky corners.

* No pets, No glass bottles at either location. Beer Gardens at both locations: Cycleworx sponsorship at Boulder Res and Boulder Beer sponsorship at Valmont Park. USAC rules and license apply, Day-of race registration available. Thank you sponsors for US Open CX, thank you sponsors for Boulder Cup.

At the Boulder Cup in 2013
Race Results: BRAC results
Race reports, bios, and interviews: Pro Velo Passion
Cyclocross News: VeloNews
How the Race was Won - Cyclocosm
Next Race: 2014-15 Colorado Cyclo-cross Race Calendar by Pedal Dancer 

PHOTOS FROM THE RACES

Update 09/15/14: Here are my (big!) photo albums from the cyclocross races:
US Open of Cyclocross: http://www.pedaldancerphotography.com/usopencx
Boulder Cup: http://www.pedaldancerphotography.com/bouldercup2014

Meredith Won!
Read the great news about Meredith Miller's big win at Cross Vegas 2014: Meredith Miller notches CrossVegas win By Matthew Beaudin Published Sep. 11, 2014

You can watch Meredith race both races in Boulder this weekend, or if you are really lucky you can race against her.