
Live streaming video begins 2 p.m. EDT, Saturday and Sunday for the UCI Elite Men and Elite Women’s ProCX races right here on Cyclocross Magazine.

See the full press release from USA Cycling and Rochester Cyclocross below.

ROCHESTER, N.Y. (Sept. 9, 2016)—One of the most popular off-road bicycle events in the state returns to Rochester the weekend of September 9-11, Rochester Cyclocross. Now in its ninth year, Rochester Cyclocross features a bigger venue for all 32 bicycle races, including four races for professional men and women that are part of the Professional Cyclocross Calendar (Pro CX), and a series of family events at Genesee Valley Park.

Events kick off Friday, September 9 with a course preview for professional racers, Rochester CX Clinic, led by 4-time U.S. National Cyclocross Champion Jonathan Page, and the Rochester Cyclocross Night Fondo, open to riders of any ability. Racing action take place Saturday, September 10 with Class 1 (C1) events and Sunday, September 11, with Class 2 (C2) races. Both the C1 and C2 races are part of Pro CX.

Rochester Cyclocross features some of the top male and female cycling talent on the globe, as it is the only UCI race in the world this weekend. Racing both days are reigning and three-time Elite Men’s National Cyclocross Champion Jeremy Powers (East Lyme, Connecticut) and four-time Elite Men’s National Cyclocross Champion Jonathan Page (Tilton, New Hampshire). The champions from the 2015-2016 Pro CX season will be in action, Caroline Mani (Besançon, France), on the women’s side and Jamey Driscoll (Jericho, Vermont) for the men.

Started in 2008 as the Ellison Park Cyclocross Festival, the event was elevated to Class 1 status in 2014 (the highest level of international cycling). There are 13 amateur cycling races each morning, including categories for juniors, masters, fat tire bikes and single speed bikes. Men’s and women’s professional cycling races will be held each afternoon. locally-brewed beers from Rohrbach’s Brewery and world-class barbeque from Good Smoke BBQ, this event is fun for the whole family.

“This event takes all the on-road action and excitement that fans enjoyed at the Rochester Twilight Criterium and puts it off-road at the beautiful Genesee Valley Park. Mix in some grass, dirt, gravel, and a series of obstacles for cyclists with great food, beer from Rohrbach’s Brewery and music for fans and you get Rochester Cyclocross,” said race director Shana Lydon, who is part of the Full Moon Vista Bike & Sport team that produces the popular Rochester Twilight Criterium in August.

The Rochester Cyclocross is sanctioned by USA Cycling and the UCI, (the international governing body of cycling), as one of just eight Class 1 events for 2016-17 Pro CX in the U.S. It is also the only Class 1 cyclocross event to be held in New York this year. The pro men and women vie for points on the national ranking system. The elite races will be broadcast both days on a free live streaming service provided by Gnarlymonkey.com on Cyclocross Magazine’s website here at 2p.m. Elite Women race at 2:20 p.m. Sat/Sun, and Elite Men race at 3:55 p.m. Sat/Sun.

“We’re excited about the new venue at Genesee Valley Park and the support from Monroe County. There is lots of parking this year that is very close to the course. And the Night Fondo on Friday allows for any level of cyclist to come out, experience the course and just have fun,” added Lydon.

The new course is designed in a “U” formation to accomplish simple access to registration and event headquarters, with easy spectator flow. Winding 3.5 kilometers in distance, racers will find a variety of terrains including grass covered slopes, a section of paved path that is three meters wide, dirt sections and areas of old-growth evergreens. Each lap of the course contains approximately 139 feet of vertical climbing (as opposed to 256 feet previously). Cyclocross riders will enjoy obstacles that include a man-made barrier/planks set, multiple run-ups, a rolling platform on a descent and a Belgian staircase. The double-sided pit is located at the mid-point of the course.

Events and Registration Information

Registration for UCI Elite riders is $50 through Sept. 7; no day-of registration. Riders will get a course preview on Friday from 4:30-6 p.m. Pre-registration for amateur riders is $40 through Sept. 7; $50 day of event. Juniors can resister for $10. For amateurs and juniors, a valid USAC or UCI license is required. A one-day license is available for $10 (down from $15 in 2015).

The Rochester CX Clinic on Friday (3:30 – 5:15 p.m.) features instruction by Jonathan Page and is limited to 75 participants. Learn everything from riding the Belgian Staircase to mastering the cross planks. From the beginner to the seasoned veteran developing some new skills, registration is $30 per person for the one and one-half hour clinic.

The Rochester Cyclocross Night Fondo (7-8 p.m.) is open to all riders and all types of bicycles. Registration is limited to 50 riders in three categories men, women and juniors (ages 9-18). It costs $30 per adult and $10 per junior. There will be cold beverages, some tunes and a whole lot of fun.

Admission to the event is FREE for spectators. Family activities include a mini course for children, ages nine and under (bring your own bike and helmet). A professional race announcer provides high energy commentary with the backdrop of music each day. Races are streamed live for the cycling world to see and there is plenty of free parking and attractions in and around Rochester.

Cyclocross 101

Cyclocross is a hybrid between road cycling and mountain biking. Riders race around an off-road circuit on bicycles that look very similar to road bikes but have been built to take on the demands of rougher off-road racing. Circuits are typically 1.5 to 2 miles long, and feature obstacles that may force the rider to dismount their bicycle. Multiple laps showcase these elite riders’ phenomenal skills and amazing speed.

About USA Cycling

Recognized by the United States Olympic Committee and the Union Cycliste Internationale, USA Cycling is the official governing body for all disciplines of competitive cycling in the United States, including BMX, cyclo-cross, mountain bike, road, and track. As a membership-based organization, USA Cycling comprises 64,000 members; 2,700+ clubs and teams; and 34 local associations. The national governing body sanctions over 3,100 competitive and non-competitive events throughout the U.S. each year and is responsible for the identification, development, and support of American cyclists. To learn more about USA Cycling, visit usacycling.org . Follow us on Twitter – @USACProCX.