Departs Providence for Nearby Thompson Speedway Motorsports Park
The eighth annual KMC Cyclo-cross Festival will move to a new venue in 2016 at the Thompson Speedway Motorsports Park in Connecticut. One of America’s most prestigious cyclo-cross races, the event will be held Sept. 30-Oct. 2.
“We have long adored Roger Williams Park. But it became evident to us that Providence simply did not have the capacity to host an event at the international level we expect to achieve,” said Richard Fries, co-founder and event director. “We simply outgrew the venue.”
The organizers are working together with track management to establish a long-term partnership to draw the world’s best ‘cross racers to New England each fall.
“We have enjoyed working with the folks at KMC Cyclo-Cross Festival to bring this world-class event to Thompson Speedway Motorsports Park,” said Josh Vanada, general manager of the Thompson Speedway. “We look forward to welcoming all the participants, their friends, families, and fans to our facility for the next three years and beyond.”
Positioned in the northeast corner of Connecticut, the Thompson Speedway is a 50-minute drive from Boston and just 40 minutes from Hartford, Springfield, and Providence. The home of the nation’s first asphalt racetrack, Thompson opened its “Super Speedway” in 1940.
“They contacted us. The timing proved incredible as I had just come from watching the world championships at Circuit Zolder in Belgium, a famous race track and ‘cross venue,” explained Fries. “Then I studied the Sea Otter Classic at Laguna Seca, another famous cycling event held at a race track. The amenities, the parking, the turn-key access to everything we need, and the spectator-friendly design is incredible. The Thompson Speedway has it all.”
“We also found amazing course features that will put this course on a par with Zolder,” said Patrick Goguen, competition director and course designer. “This is a private facility and we are in full partnership with the track management. When we succeed; they succeed.”
Details on registration, sponsorship and exposition opportunities will be released in the coming weeks.