CROSS NATIONALS HOSTS SET FOR NEXT FOUR YEARS
Tuesday, August 17, 2004


Cyclo-cross Nationals head to New England for ’05-’06; Kansas City in ’07-’08



Colorado Springs, Colo. (August 17, 2004) — USA Cycling is pleased to announce the hosts for the 2005-2008 U.S. Cyclo-cross National Championships. The cyclo-cross festival will return to New England in 2005 and 2006 after a six-year hiatus from the northeastern U.S, thanks to the New England Cyclo-cross Association. In 2007 and 2008, the festival will be held in Kansas City, promoted by KLM Marketing Solutions.



After this year’s event in Portland, Ore., focus will turn to organization and promotion in New England. The festival production crew, Spin Arts, brings a wealth of cyclo-cross experience to the table. Race Director Tom Stevens organized the 1995 and 1998 National Cyclo-cross Championships, and assisted with the event’s planning in 1983, 1988, 1991, and 1999-2001. Stevens is also the founder of the New England Cyclo-cross Championship Series – the premier regional cyclocross series in North America.



"Our aim is to provide exciting races for all competitors and spectators and to continue the tradition of a National Cyclocross festival," Stevens commented.



The organizers have several ideas for race sites across New England, including Dhenahey Park, Hopkinton State Park, and the Chocksett School. The site for the 2005 event will be selected before the 2004 Championships in Portland this December.



In 2007, the festival will visit the midwestern U.S. with a convenient venue proposed for Liberty Memorial Park in Kansas City, MO. The event will be centrally located to 55 million people who can make the drive in 14 hours or less. KLM Marketing Solutions President Bill Marshall has first hand knowledge of cyclo-cross, as he has been a cyclist for 20 years.



"I think we bring a good insight as to what the athletes want and expect out of an event," Marshall explained. "When I go to events, I look at things and think about what I would do differently."



About USA Cycling
Recognized by the U.S. Olympic Committee and the Union Cycliste Internationale, USA Cycling promotes American cycling through its 45,000 members and 2,000 annual events. USA Cycling associations include the BMX Association (BMX), National Off-Road Bicycle Association (mountain bike), U.S. Cycling Federation (road/track) and the U.S. Professional Racing Organization (professional men’s road). For more information contact, USA Cycling Communications Coordinator Keri Fagan at 719-866-3360.

photos by Jonathan McElvery, Jack Milton, and BikeReg.com