VERGE MAC INTERNATIONAL CYCLOCROSS SERIES OPENS THIS WEEKEND WITH DELAWARE/PENNSYLVANIA DOUBLEHEADER

Over 500 Competitors From Around the World Expected at Each Race

“Possibly the Most Entertaining International Men’s Field in the History of These Races”

Press Contact Information: Verge MAC Cyclocross Series

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

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

October 16, 2007; Conshohocken, PA, USA: The prestigious Verge MAC Cyclocross Series opens its 2007 season this weekend with two of America’s most prominent UCI-sanctioned international cyclocross races: the legendary Granogue ‘Cross on Saturday and the Wissahickon Cyclocross on Sunday. Also on the program each day will be a full program of Verge MAC’s amateur and semi-pro classes, sanctioned by USA Cycling. Over 500 racers are expected to compete in the two races, which together are known as the premier weekend of cyclocross in the Mid-Atlantic region stretching from New York City, past Philadelphia and Baltimore, all the way to Washington DC. The enthusiasm for cyclocross in this part of America has been spreading like an internet virus, with entries increasing by nearly 25% per year. But, while the amateur classes provide an entertaining undercard, the main events at a Verge MAC race are unquestionably the Elite Internationals Powered by SRAM that start at 1:30 each day.

On paper, this year’s events have possibly the most entertaining international men’s fields in the history of these races” says Verge MAC Media Director Ken Getchell. “The depth of the field is amazing. We have the hottest racer in America in Barry Wicks, who won two races in Ohio last week and nearly beat World Champion Erwin Vervecken in Long Island two weeks ago (he actually won the second day when Vervecken suffered a mechanical failure on the last lap). We have veterans like Tim Johnson, who has won nearly every major race in America -- except for these two. We have International Champions like Joachim Parbo, the Danish National Champion, and Italy’s Davide Frattini, who has over 40 career victories, a lot of World Cup experience and is fresh off his victory at the Charm City Cyclocross in Baltimore. We also have the brightest young stars like Danny Summerhill, who won the Silver Medal in the Junior Division at last season’s World Championships. Other racers to watch include the two up-and-coming riders that won last week’s major International races in Gloucester Massachusetts: Jesse Anthony and Jeremy Powers. And everybody is talking about first-year professional Chris Jones who is poised for his first major victory after strong early season results, including two podium performances at Gloucester last week.”

On the women’s side, the SRAM Elite field should be more wide-open than ever with Lyne Bessette competing in the rescheduled Canadian National Championships and Katie Compton in Europe for the World Cups. Strong woman and multi-time Verge MAC Champion Betsy Shogren begins the defense of her 2006 title against a strong field of riders that includes Megan Elliot, Jessica Maxwell, Amy Wallace, the C3-Sollay duo of Heidi von Teitenberg and BikeReg.com MABRAcross champ Lisa Vible, and team Velo Bella Kona.

Saturday’s Granogue ‘Cross will offer even more activities this year for the enjoyment of spectators and racers. For the first time, Granogue will include a FREE Kid’s Race, and racing bike manufacturer Van Dessel will be bringing a fleet of bikes for riders to test ride, or even race. This is in addition to fantastic sports entertainment, excellent barbeque and great scenery. The Kid’s Race for young children will take place on special “mini laps” designed just for kids starting at 1:00. The Kid’s Race is open to all children on any kind of bike (including tricycles and bikes with training wheels) and parental assistance is permitted for younger children. Helmets are required and Parents must sign a release. And, moms and dads should bring their helmets too, because they will have their own opportunity to try out the sport on a Van Dessel cyclocross bike. Van Dessel is based in New Jersey and their “Gin and Trombones” cyclocross model is one of the most popular cyclocross bikes on the market.

General Admission is FREE for both days, though there is a small parking charge for Saturday’s race in Delaware with the proceeds being added to the Elite Women’s prize purse. Saturday’s Granogue ‘Cross takes place on the grounds of the DuPont family’s Granogue Estate, located at 2900 Montchanin Road, Wilmington, Delaware 19807. Sunday’s Wissahickon Cyclocross takes place at the Ludwig’s Corner Horse Show and Country Fair, located on Route 100, 0.3 miles north of intersection of Routes 100 and 401) in Ludwig’s Corner Pennsylvania.

Daily Schedule (both days):

9:00 am Amateur Race, Novices and SupaFAN.com Juniors

10:00 am Amateur Race, age 35+ and 55+

11:00 am Domestic Race, Men

12:15 pm Domestic Race, Elite Masters age 35+

1:30 pm International Race, The Elite International Women, powered by SRAM

2:30 pm International Race, The Elite International Men, powered by SRAM

More information, including driving directions, can be found at www.BikeReg.com, or by calling Media Director Ken Getchell at 610-397-1950.

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