Sports

Elite riders will race at Jackson Park this weekend

By Bill Moss, Published: December 3, 2018

Two-time U.S. cyclocross national champion Stephen Hyde and ProCX points leader Kerry Werner lead a group of elite riders who will be racing at Jackson Park for as North Carolina Cyclo-Cross closes its 2018 season with the ProCX UCI C2 North Carolina Grand Prix Saturday and Sunday.

For the Elite Men, look for ProCX points leader Werner, of Advance, N.C., and Hyde, the two-time national champion, who who lives in Easthampton, Mass. Expected to race for the Elite Women are Asheville’s Lily Williams and Emily Werner of Advance, N.C. Werner swept both days of racing in Hendersonville for elite men last year, while Williams captured silver medals both days for elite women.

The 14th Annual Hunter Subaru NCGP is the final east coast stop for ProCX points before the 2018 USA Cycling Cyclocross National Championships takes place in Louisville, Kentucky.

Henderson County Parks & Recreation Department will partner with North Carolina Cyclo-Cross to host the family-friendly event in Jackson Park. The race course takes advantage of the varied terrain at the venue. Racing will start at 8:30 a.m. both days, with the featured UCI Elite Women starting at 1:20 p.m. and the UCI Elite Men starting at 2:30 p.m. ET. 

The event is free for spectators. The Vendor Zone will be located near the infamous “wall” on the course and features a children’s cyclocross course and displays, including vehicles from Hunter Subaru. There will also be food available from Hubba Hubba Smokehouse and the Flat Rock Village Bakery. Jackson Park will remain open all weekend for public use, but there will be no through traffic during the event.

Juniors can race for free at Hunter Subaru NCGP this year. There are three events each day for mixed (boys and girls) age groups 9-12, 13-14, and 15-18. Registration for collegiate, masters and elite racers ranges from $25 to $45, and is open online until Thursday, Dec. 6, at 8 p.m. (https://legacy.usacycling.org/register/2018-3014). Day-of registration is available for non-UCI races and closes 30 minutes prior to the start of each designated race. There is an additional $10 fee for day-of registration, which opens daily at 7 a.m. and closes 3:15 p.m. at Shelter #4. 

“I am excited to have our presenting sponsors OrthoCarolina and BMW Southern Regional Centers partnering with NCCX to enhance the racer and spectator experience” says Tim Hopkin, the founder and organizer of NCCX. “Cyclocross racers both new and returning can look forward to enjoying the competition, camaraderie and fun which is the NCCX series. From start to finish this will be an awesome season. The racers, families and our NCCX community will ensure that.”
Cyclo-cross is a fast-paced, spectator-friendly cycling discipline that combines road and mountain bike aspects, requiring riders to switch terrains and at times dismount and run or carry their bikes. Racers range from junior riders to master’s categories with beginner-expert races offered.

For more information regarding the NCCX series visit the NCCX website at www.nccyclocross.com or contact series founder Tim Hopkin at (828) 674-9782.