Of the 22 athletes chosen to represent the United States at the World Cyclo-cross Championships in Hoogerheide, Netherlands, 20 competed at the Providence Cyclo-cross Festival in October, 2013.
This speaks not only to the strength of cyclo-cross in the United States, but to the strength and draw of the Northeast in general, and the Providence Cyclo-cross Festival in particular.
Indeed, New England is well represented at the World Championships, with nearly half the 22-member team comprised of racers from this six-state region. Three of the four juniors taking the start hail from New England.
Competition director Patrick Goguen noted,”The fact that 90 percent of the US worlds team competed in Providence shows just how important the race is to our nation’s best riders. Providence has quickly become the largest and most prestigious cycling event in New England, the birthplace of American cyclo-cross.”
Providence is looking to expand its draw for the international racing community by joining the UCI World Cup circuit in 2015. A World Cup advisory board is currently being formed to assess the logistical difficulties inherent in hosting an event of this size.
Goguen remarked,“What’s most exciting is that the event is still just a fraction of its full potential, yet moves towards it at a rapid pace. Soon, I believe not only America’s best, but the worlds best will be sure not to miss out on a chance to win The Pillar at Providence.”
ABOUT THE PROVIDENCE CYCLO-CROSS FESTIVAL: The sixth annual Providence Cyclo-cross Festival will be held Oct. 3-5, 2014, at historic Roger Williams Park. The internationally sanctioned event has drawn athletes from more than 20 nations. Additional attractions include the Divine Youth initiative, a consumer expo, food courts, the Harpoon Beer Garden, the New England Builders’ Ball, and Gran Fondo New England. For more information visit www.providencecrossfest.com.