Gray to host Cyclocross championships
Maine State Cyclocross Championships set for October 20th

By Paul Weiss, Portland Velo Club

Gray will host the Wicked Maine Cyclocross II Race on the grounds of Gray-New Gloucester High and Middle Schools. The race will be run by the Portland Velo Club, from 9:30 a.m..-3:30 p.m. and will be a United States Cycling Federation sanctioned event. Races in 8 major categories will include top-level riders from throughout the Northeast. In addition to the state championships, junior racers ages 10-18 will be competing as part of the "Tim Johnson Junior Cyclocross racing series." While many participants will be licensed bike racers, all citizens, ages 10 and up are encouraged to race! You will need a Cyclocross bike or Mt bike (without bar ends) and a helmet! There is a fee to race. Above, Mike leads Troy, Wicked Cyclocross Race 2001, Paul Weiss photo

Cyclocross is a sport that combines the skills of both road racing and mountain bike racing. The 2-mile loop course will include grassy hills that will be run up and wood-planked hurdles that will make the riders dismount and carry their bikes for short distances. If you're not ready to ride, come and watch this spectacle. It is one of the best bicycle events to watch this year. Spectators are encouraged to bring cowbells or other noisemakers!

For more information, e-mail Paul Weiss, Portland Velo Club president, at weissp@hotmail.com or call him at 878-3029. Visit the Portland Velo Club site at: http://www.portlandvelo.com/wickedcross2.html.