In addition to the other world class events occurring in St. Louis over Halloween Weekend, professional cyclocross racing returns Saturday and Sunday, October 26th and 27th. The top athletes in the sport are preparing to compete at the 3rd Annual Gateway Cross Cup at Heman Park in University City, Missouri. The only event of its type in the region, athletes from across the United States and Europe will be competing for prize money and coveted UCI ranking points that are up for grabs at this internationally sanctioned two day event.
The field for the event is a who’s who in competitive racing featuring the top professional men and women in the sport. Key American racers are current U23 National Champion Zach McDonald (Rapha Focus), US Women Medalist Nicole Duke (SPY/Marin Bicycles), current USGP Single Speed Champion Craig Etheridge (Raleigh/Clement) and the current leader of the US Pro CX Series, Elle Anderson (California Giant Berry/Specialized). Top European rider and Belgian U23 Champion Ben Berden(Raleigh/Clement) is returning to defend his title.
The Gateway Cross Cup is sanctioned by the international governing body for cycling, the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) and will attract the top men and women racers from across the U.S. and Europe. The racing begins early Saturday afternoon with amateur events beginning at 12:30pm. Prior to the men’s and women’s professional events there will be a fun races for children as well as an afternoon 5K held on the race course at 3:50pm. The professional events occur in the evening under the lights with the women’s race at 6:50pm and the men’s race at 8:10pm. The Cardinals game will be shown live in the Expo so sports fans can enjoy the best of both continents. Sunday, the racing begins at 9:30am amateur racing. The women’s Professional race is scheduled at 3:20pm followed by the men’s Pro race at 4:50pm.
Initially a one day, midweek competition, the Gateway Cross Cup now features two days of internationally sanctioned professional and amateur racing over Halloween Weekend. The Gateway Cross Cup is a cyclocross race, the fastest growing segment of bicycle racing in the U.S. and combines the speed of road bike races with the terrain of mountain bike events by adding challenging course features, hurdles and uphill climbs. The bicycles resemble road bikes with slightly wider, more aggressive tires for traction on turf and on pavement. Athletes jump off and shoulder their bicycles uphill and over barriers. A 1.7 kilometer course, approximately 1 mile in length, will be laid out in Heman Park that takes advantage of the naturally challenging terrain and provide great viewing for the spectators.
The U.S. has become an international force in Cyclocross after years of lagging behind European countries. Currently American athletes are highly competitive on the international circuit and the caliber of racing in the US is at an all-time high.
The Gateway Cross Cup is an extension of CrossVegas, the largest cyclocross race on the North American calendar. CrossVegas is held in September and attracts over 10,000 spectators annually to Las Vegas. CrossVegas organizer Watts Marketing is teaming with St. Louis event promoter Mike Weiss to bring the excitement of a professional race to new markets – returning to St. Louis for the third edition in 2013.
The Gateway Cross Cup is sanctioned by the international governing body for cycling, the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) and by USA Cycling. Both St. Louis races are part of the “Cross after Dark” national cyclocross series that unites several nighttime races. Riders will be chasing a large prize list at the conclusion of the series in late December.
Spectators are encouraged to come to this free international event. An expo of bicycle and outdoor products vendors will provide entertainment. There will be food and beverages available including presented by restaurants from the nearby LOOP neighborhood. Saturday’s Halloween 5K on the race course at 3:50 pm is benefitting St. Louis Children’s Hospital cancer charities.
Sponsors include the City of University City, Clif Bar, Bissingers Chocolate, Bicycling Magazine, Big Shark Bicycle Company, Michelob Ultra, Raleigh Bicycles, VanDessel Bicycles, Ridley Bicycles, Chamois Butter, Clement Tires, TRP Brakes, Three Kings Public House and SRAM/ZIPP Wheels and Components.