Virginia’s Blue Ridge Go Cross Cyclocross Goes Live on Discovery+ This Weekend
ROANOKE, Va. (September 14, 2022) Virginia’s Blue Ridge Go Cross Presented by Deschutes Brewery (Go Cross) is kicking off the PRO cyclocross season and the United States Cyclocross (USCX) series with two days of racing, one at the top level of competition, C1, and the second day at its established C2 level.
On Sept. 17 and 18, pro racers from all over the world will make their way to Roanoke in Virginia’s Blue Ridge to compete in Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI)- level events. Elite Women’s and Men’s races will be televised and viewable live on Global Cycling Network as well as Eurosport and Discovery+. Go Cross kicks off the UCI series followed by Rochester Cyclocross, Baltimore’s Charm City, and then the Really Rad Festival of Cyclocross in Falmouth, Massachusetts.
“There’s a lot of cycling momentum in the region right now, and GO Cross has not only contributed to that momentum but is now benefiting from it. Joining the UCI race series and the upgrade to C1 competition is a testament to the bike culture our community has embraced and our goal of branding the region as a preeminent cycling destination,” said Pete Eshelman, director of outdoor branding at the Roanoke Regional Partnership.
Among the pros racing at GO Cross this year are local elites Kerry and Emily Werner. Kerry won the men’s USCX Championship in 2021 and is ready to defend his title. Spectators will also want to keep an eye out for Maghalie Rochette, Caroline Mani, Curtis White, and Belgian rider Vincent Baestaens. Curtis White is a three-time Go Cross elite champion, and Go Cross fans will be excited to see whether he, Kerry Werner, or a third unknown will take the top podium in the men’s elite field.
Pro racing events begin at 12:30 PM, but prior to that, amateur and junior riders will have an opportunity to compete on the same course as the pros. Beginning at 8 AM on both days, racers from ages two and up can try their hand at the sport. Visit www.gocrossrace.com for a full race-day schedule.
For those wishing to get into the cyclocross spirit, Roanoke Outside, organizer of Go Cross, invites spectators to enjoy a free festival featuring music, interactive events, Deschutes Brewery, and local vendors including Field Day Juice Club, RND Coffee, Food Hut Rke, and Home Bru. Spectator events are as follows:
- Lil’ Belgians Kids’ Race: At 12 PM both days, kids under eight can participate in a free race on a special kids’ cyclocross course. Participants should arrive at least 30 minutes ahead of time to register and will need to supply their own helmet and bike.
- Doggy Cross: On Saturday, Go Cross will be premiering its take on Doggy Cross–a heartwarming and hilarious event for humans and dogs that was created at Jingle Cross, one of the founding USCX races. Registration is currently open at www.gocrossrace.com and will remain open on site.
- Beer Mile Relay: On Sunday, runners who love beer will be excited to hear that the Go Cross Beer Mile Relay with Deschutes Brewery and Runabout Sports will be returning. Registration is currently open at www.gocrossrace.com and will remain open on site.
Go Cross is possible thanks to the sponsors and community supporting it. Our partners include Visit Virginia’s Blue Ridge, Deschutes Brewery, Trek Bicycle Roanoke, Freedom First Credit Union, Carilion Clinic, Roanoke Parks and Recreation, Avis Construction, The Black Bibs, ProThirteen, Atlantic Union Bank, UCI, USAC, and the USCX Series. You can find out more about cyclocross as well as how to race, spectate, and support Go Cross at www.gocrossrace.com.
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ABOUT ROANOKE OUTSIDE FOUNDATION
Roanoke Outside creates economic growth by leveraging natural assets to attract investment and talent. Through business attraction, signature outdoor events, strategic partnerships, social offerings, and infrastructure investment Roanoke Outside seeks to establish the Roanoke Region as a place where businesses want to locate and where people want to live. Roanoke Outside manages roanokeoutside.com and a portfolio of brand-building events that include Blue Ridge Marathon, GO Outside Festival (GO Fest), and Go Cross Cyclocross Race. The Roanoke Outside Foundation is a 501(c)3 organization and is part of the Roanoke Regional Partnership family, which also includes Get2KnowNoke. www.roanokeoutside.com
ABOUT VISIT VIRGINIA’S BLUE RIDGE
Visit Virginia's Blue Ridge (VBR) is the region's official destination marketing organization serving the Cities of Roanoke and Salem and the Counties of Roanoke, Botetourt and Franklin as well as over 1,300 partners. Visit VBR is responsible for developing and executing comprehensive sales, marketing and communication programs designed to attract visitors. The primary focus is to promote Virginia’s Blue Ridge as a unique destination for leisure, meetings, sporting events, outdoor recreation and business, and to facilitate the financial and cultural growth of the region as an exceptional place to live, work, and visit. www.visitvbr.com
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Pete Eshelman
- September 16, 2022
- 540-392-6989
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