Cyclo-Cross Nationals set for December
Colorado Springs, Colo. (November 17, 2004) -- An exciting season of domestic ‘cross racing will conclude next month with the USA Cycling Cyclo-Cross National Championships in Portland, Ore. Slated for Dec. 10-12, the finest ‘cross racers in the U.S. will come together at the Portland International Raceway to compete for 23 stars and stripes jerseys.
Looking to secure a third consecutive title in the Elite Men’s category will be Jonathan Page (Tilton, N.H.). The ’02 and ’03 champion will have to overcome talented rivals however, as 2003 USPRO Champion Mark McCormack (North Easton, Mass.) presently holds the top American spot in the UCI rankings and will likely be Page’s biggest threat. Also searching for that coveted stars and stripes jersey will be Marc Gullickson (Boulder, Colo.), who has had a strong season thus far and leads Americans in the U.S. Gran Prix of Cyclo-Cross Series. Ryan Trebon (Ventura, Calif.) and Barry Wicks (Corvallis, Ore.) will arrive in Portland in strong form, both with notable wins this season, and riders like 2004 Olympian Todd Wells (Durango, Colo.) and Adam Craig (Corinth, Maine) are also considered solid contenders.
The Elite Women’s field will be missing six-time winner and reigning National Champion Alison Dunlap (Colorado Springs, Colo.), but will nevertheless be just as packed with talent as the men’s field. Ann Knapp (Des Moines, Wash.), current leader in the U.S. Gran Prix of Cyclo-Cross, won the national title in 2002 and is considered one of the favorites this year. 2004 Olympian Mary McConneloug (Fairfax, Calif.), top ranked American woman in the UCI standings - Anna Milkowski (East Chatham, NY), Barbara Howe (Larkspur, Calif.), and Gina Hall (Ashland, Ore.) will all line up as strong contenders for this year’s crown.
The U23 race will see efforts from current Gran Prix of Cyclo-Cross Series leader Matt White (Longmeadow, Mass.), defending national champion Jesse Anthony (Beverly, Mass.), and last year’s bronze medalist Zach Grabowski (Lafayette, Colo.).
At the end of the weekend, 23 individual titles will have been awarded to elite, junior, masters, collegiate, and U23 riders. One college team will earn the distinction of National Collegiate Team Champion.
The event will again be promoted by Portland-based Club Vivo Promotions, organizers of the 2003 USA Cycling Cyclo-Cross National Championships and the popular Cross Crusade Series. Racing kicks off at 10am on Dec. 10th with the Collegiate women’s competition. For a full schedule and more details, click here.
Looking to secure a third consecutive title in the Elite Men’s category will be Jonathan Page (Tilton, N.H.). The ’02 and ’03 champion will have to overcome talented rivals however, as 2003 USPRO Champion Mark McCormack (North Easton, Mass.) presently holds the top American spot in the UCI rankings and will likely be Page’s biggest threat. Also searching for that coveted stars and stripes jersey will be Marc Gullickson (Boulder, Colo.), who has had a strong season thus far and leads Americans in the U.S. Gran Prix of Cyclo-Cross Series. Ryan Trebon (Ventura, Calif.) and Barry Wicks (Corvallis, Ore.) will arrive in Portland in strong form, both with notable wins this season, and riders like 2004 Olympian Todd Wells (Durango, Colo.) and Adam Craig (Corinth, Maine) are also considered solid contenders.
The Elite Women’s field will be missing six-time winner and reigning National Champion Alison Dunlap (Colorado Springs, Colo.), but will nevertheless be just as packed with talent as the men’s field. Ann Knapp (Des Moines, Wash.), current leader in the U.S. Gran Prix of Cyclo-Cross, won the national title in 2002 and is considered one of the favorites this year. 2004 Olympian Mary McConneloug (Fairfax, Calif.), top ranked American woman in the UCI standings - Anna Milkowski (East Chatham, NY), Barbara Howe (Larkspur, Calif.), and Gina Hall (Ashland, Ore.) will all line up as strong contenders for this year’s crown.
The U23 race will see efforts from current Gran Prix of Cyclo-Cross Series leader Matt White (Longmeadow, Mass.), defending national champion Jesse Anthony (Beverly, Mass.), and last year’s bronze medalist Zach Grabowski (Lafayette, Colo.).
At the end of the weekend, 23 individual titles will have been awarded to elite, junior, masters, collegiate, and U23 riders. One college team will earn the distinction of National Collegiate Team Champion.
The event will again be promoted by Portland-based Club Vivo Promotions, organizers of the 2003 USA Cycling Cyclo-Cross National Championships and the popular Cross Crusade Series. Racing kicks off at 10am on Dec. 10th with the Collegiate women’s competition. For a full schedule and more details, click here.
This Article Published November 17, 2004 For more information contact:
