A CYCLOCROSS HOMECOMING IN BALTIMORE

Press Contact Information: BikeReg.com MABRAcross Cyclocross Series

Ken Getchell, Media Director: kenmacpr@yahoo.com; 610-397-1950

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

September 18, 2007; Conshohocken, PA, USA : After nine months apart, cyclocross racers from throughout the eastern United States will gather once again for the start of another season of excitement. The big city of Baltimore will be the scene this Sunday (September 23) as it hosts the Charm City Cyclocross, the first race of the 2007 BikeReg.com MABRAcross Series. Nearly 400 entries are expected in brilliant sunshine for the race that is held annually in the city’s historic Druid Hill Park.

As the traditional season opener for cyclocross in the greater mid-atlantic region, the Charm City Cyclocross often has the feel of a huge family reunion. After nine months (or more) apart, the race has become the “can’t miss” place for the close-knit cyclocross community to show off new sponsors, new gear and sometimes even new children -- as Dee Dee Winfield did after winning last year’s race.

The race has also become the place to identify riders with championship aspirations. It was at last year’s race that Dee Dee Winfield burst onto the national scene when she upset the heavily favored Georgia Gould, who at the time was the reigning Verge MAC cyclocross champion and National cross country mountain bike champion. In fact, both of the Elite winners at last year’s Charm City Cyclocross, Winfield and Ryan Leech, went on to win National Championships. And, as the first race in the ever-growing BikeReg.com MABRAcross Series, the Charm City Cyclocross is the all-important first step toward championship titles in all 10 of the series’ championship divisions.

Though cyclocross is held rain-or-shine, the weather forecast for Sunday’s race in Baltimore is showing nothing but sun and pleasantly warm temperatures; perfect weather for the coolest family picnic of the year. Spectator admission is free, parking is free and there are free “Lil’ Belgians” children’s races at 1:00. The Lil’ Belgians Kids Race is open to any child on any kind of bike, but a helmet is required. Children being the great social equalizer, it’s not unusual to see elite professional riders pushing their training-wheel equipped youngsters side-by-side with casual spectators.

Racing begins with amateur divisions at 10:00 in the morning. Elite/Professional racing begins at 1:30. See below for a full schedule of the days events. For more information, see BikeReg.com or call (410) 253-9055 (9am - 10pm).

Charm City Cyclocross, September 23

Schedule of Events

10:00 am Novice Race

11:00 am Amateur Masters (age 35+, 45+)

12:15 pm Fast Amateur/Semi Pro Men plus Juniors

1:00 pm FREE kid’s Fun Race

1:30 pm 45 minute Elite/Professional Women (run concurrently with Masters 55+)

2:30 pm 60 minute Elite/Professional Men

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