published 7.14.02

2002 VACX – VA is for Cyclo-Cross Lovers!

by Chip Sovek

FOR SOME ODD REASON whenever the days get really long, shadows grow tall and the thermometer is hovering at numbers that more resemble my heart rate on any given start-line, I always think of Cyclocross!

Maybe it’s because, as a promoter, I always think of what’s ahead and by the time the event is happening: 90% of the hard work has been completed. What most cyclists (or any athlete for that matter) do not see is all the pre-planning work like: securing a venue, laying out a course, scheduling events, prizes, scoring, registration and organizing manpower. These are just a few shovels into the incredibly large mountain of producing an event. Whether it’s an actual success, and I use that word loosely, is another story.

This year’s Virginia Cyclocross Series will be a 5 race series with the addition of Richmond’s ‘Chimborazo Grand Prix’ and its infamous cobblestone climb. Charlottesville will again host 2 races at Panorama Farm and Reston will host 2 at Lake Fairfax Park.

The Virginia Cyclocross Series challenges the Virginia, Maryland and greater DC residents to a fun and enjoyable Cyclocross experience. Rider abilities ranging from elite to beginner can come out and race on same course that follows UCI (World Cycling governing body) guidelines for optimum safety and Cyclocross standards.

Cyclocross easily dates back to the 1950’s. It began in Europe as a wintertime activity that the pros would use as off-season training, working to rebuild technical skills by keeping it fun, short and intense. It gained popularity due to its ‘fun’ aspect: meaning, that the races were, at maximum, one-hour compared to several hours in the saddle staring at endless miles of pave`.

As you read this (although written in July) the race dates have been debated, the courses have been changed, upgraded and sponsor searches have been well under way for this year. Prizes have been sorted and money has been allotted. All the legwork ‘behind the scenes’ has been completed. Something the average participant doesn’t see, or perhaps care.

Something new for this years Virginia Cyclocross Series will be the “leader’s jersey’s.” Each class will have its own series winner and those winners will be able to purchase an official Virginia Cyclocross Series Winners jersey. These will be a great way to show that you have won your battles and now it’s time for the bigger challenges…

Maybe it’s the Regional Cup that you’re excited about, or a State Championship race, or even the Cyclocross Nationals, which will be on the West Coast this year. Wouldn’t that look cool! a Virginia Jersey on the podium on the West Coast. Trophies will once again be offered as well as medals to places beyond the top 3.

The season kick-off will be “All Hallows Cross” on October 27 at Lake Fairfax Park in Reston, VA. We will be dishing out a total of $1800 to the elite men/women classes. Cash prizes will be going 10 deep so the chances of walking away with something more than you came with are pretty high. This race is also part of the MAC Cup series, which is the region’s elite series focusing more on the Northern Mid-Atlantic States. Naturally, All Hallows attracts the top crossers to the greater DC area. This year the All Hallows course has been lengthened to include a paved climb, more gravel, a short downhill chicane section and a new ‘run-up’. A nice and long off camber descent to bring you back to the top of the dam for those that are familiar with the course.

The VACX series will then travel to Richmond for the Chimborazo Grand Prix. Once the site of the Civil War’s largest military medical facility, north or south, this “hospital on the hill,” cared for over 75,000 Confederate troops. The park offers some fine views of the James River as well as some great spectator opportunities as racers descend one of the fastest downhills a Cyclocross race can offer, then climbs back up on the park’s twisting cobblestone road. This climb is a long slow march to the top of the park and has been the deciding factor of many tight races.

The series then heads over to Charlottesville for 2 dates at Panorama Farms, a private land area groomed specifically for the Cyclocross course. Complete with hay bales marking corners, barriers, short power climbs and one paved climb this course is deceptively difficult.

Finally, heading back up to Northern Virginia and Lake Fairfax Park in Reston. The last stop in the first week of December could deteriorate into what ‘Cross is known best for…mud, cold and perhaps even some snow. In 2000, we did have some snow and several riders were happy to race in it as it prepared them for the Cyclocross Nationals in Kansas City, where snow covered the entire course.

Continuing again this year are the Northern Virginia Cyclocross clinics. These are free clinics are designed to teach and improve the techniques used in Cyclocross racing. They will be held every Tuesday starting October 8, with the exception of Thanksgiving week, and finish on November 26 th. Anyone with a desire to learn and practice these skills is welcome to join Potomac Velo Club at Wakefield Park in Annandale, VA every Tuesday night at 7pm. Come prepared ready to ride with a functional bike and helmet. Clinics will run approximately 1 hour and will require riders to sign an athlete’s release waiver. Any Junior, Women or Beginner riders having ridden at least half of the clinics will be eligible for a free race entry in the VACX #5. They will be presented with a ‘free race coupon’ at the last clinic (those who are eligible must attend) on November 26 th.