The New England UCI cyclocross season begins this weekend, September 14 & 15, at Green Mountain Cyclocross Weekend, the inaugural race of the Verge New England Cyclocross Series. The gorgeous scenery of Williston, Vermont belies the ferociously challenging nature of this course, where tough climbs and sweeping corners draw top-level racers from across the country.
In fact, this race attracts world-class talent to Vermont’s most scenic corner: Helen Wyman, British National Cyclocross Champion, rolls onto the course to compete for equal winnings to the Elite men in the ENGVT UCI Elite women’s competition. “World class female athletes deserve the same payout as their male counterparts,” says Jerry Chabot of ENGVT of his decision to sponsor the Elite women’s competition. “I think the US is leading the way in womens’ cross and we are seeing an influx of top women racers as a result. I would love to see the US cross circuit become the dominant circuit for Elite women.”
Challenging Wyman will be Mo Bruno Roy (Bob’s Red Mill p/b Seven Cycles), always a crowd favorite as she attacks the ‘cross course. Maghalie Rochette, a supremely talented U23 cyclocrosser and recipient of Tim Johnson’s Mud Fund award, will certainly shake things up in the Elite women’s competition. So too will Crystal Anthony, recently picked up by Optum Pro Cycling p/b Kelly Benefit Strategies following a strong showing last fall. Despite what is sure to be a demanding schedule, Anthony is prioritizing New England races. “I am so excited to start the season, I cannot wait for the first race!” says the rising star of heading up to Vermont this weekend.
In the Elite men’s race, former US National Cyclocross Champion Tim Johnson makes Green Mountain his first cyclocross race since he took the stage as the highest-finishing US man at World Cyclocross Championships in February. Johnson is certain to face tough competition from three-time US Cyclocross National Champion Todd Wells. Adam Myerson (Team SmartStop-Mountain Khakis) is hitting the ground running this season, with strong initial results, and be sure to keep an eye on the JAM Fund/NCC squad this season: Stephen Hyde is climbing the CX ranks having just earned his first UCI podium.
The Green Mountain Cyclocross Weekend is a part of the Verge New England Cyclocross Series, the premier amateur cyclocross series in the US spanning six weekends of amazing cyclocross racing. Categories of competition for juniors, masters, amateur men and amateur women at Green Mountain Cyclocross Weekend, the Great Brewers Gran Prix of Cyclocross, Providence Cyclocross Festival, Cycle-Smart International, Bay State Cyclocross, and the NBX Gran Prix of Cyclocross means the fierce competition on the race course spills over into exciting season-long rivalries.