Tuesday, September 22, 2009

Las Vegas, NV--Cyclocross racing will come to Southern Nevada for the third year with the high-level racing of CrossVegas on Sept. 23 at Desert Breeze Park, 8275 Spring Mountain Road near Durango Drive. Gates open at 6 p.m. with the Wheelers and Dealers Race at 7 p.m., Elite Women at 7:50 p.m. and Elite Men at 9 p.m. An awards ceremony will follow the last race. Tickets are $8 for those ages 13 and older. Ages 12 and younger are free. Spectators can save $3 on admission by purchasing tickets online at www.bikereg.com/events/register.asp?eventid=9109 and entering the promotional code "crossvegas."

Event organizers recently announced the participation of three-time World Champion Erwin Vervecken, one of the Belgian strong men of cyclocross worldwide, winning the title in 2001, 2006 and 2007.

"I'm very happy to race in CrossVegas," said Vervecken, who admitted this season will be his last as a professional rider. "I think it's going to be a tough race with all the Americans who like this kind of racing with a very fast but hard track. The decision is probably going to be made in the final lap, but that’s what it’s like." 

Spectators don't have to know, or even understand cyclocross to get into the action of the competition. Riders will fight to lead the race during multiple laps on a difficult 1.75-mile course. Professionals in the Elite Men category will race for 60 minutes and cover 11 laps while those in the Elite Women category will race for 40 minutes and cover seven laps. The course is ideal for an early season cyclocross race since it’s primarily grass with short sections of concrete sidewalk. The grass ranges from hard packed surface near the soccer fields to deep, carpet-like sections on the hills. As a result, the riders are faced with a difficult course that requires a lot of strength.  

Joining Vervecken on his American road trip will be fellow Belgian and Team Revor rider Ben Berden, who has enjoyed a long and successful career that includes multiple podium spots. He won a World Championship bronze medal in the U-19 category earlier in his career.

Tickets purchased online will be available at the will call booth beginning at 6 p.m. Sept. 23. Food and beverages will be available for purchase at the race. Those interested in CrossVegas can call Clark County Parks and Recreation's Special Events office at 455-8175 or visit the Web site at www.accessclarkcounty.com/parks or www.crossvegas.com.

-CrossVegas-