Providence Cyclocross Festival Registration Opens

BOSTON (August 31, 2011) – The Providence Cyclocross Festival presented by Interbike, one of the premier cyclocross events in the country, will open registration at midnight on Thursday, September 1. This year’s edition of the race, to be held on the 8th and 9th of October, will include a UCI Category 1 race on Saturday and a UCI Category 2 race on Sunday. Both days will be part of the new Shimano New England Professional Cyclocross Series presented by Verge for the elite racers and the amateur Verge New England Championship Cyclocross Series.

For the 2011 edition, the race returns to its traditional venue – Roger Williams Park, made famous as the grounds for the National Cyclocross Championships in 2006. One of America’s most friendly venues to spectators, the course is able to take advantage of drastically varied terrain in a tight locale. For this reason, Providence is one of the most anticipated races on the New England – and national – calendar.

Once again, this year’s edition will attract top talent from America and around the world – having the advantage of being the second weekend in the New England Cyclocross Holy Week with the Great Brewers Gran Prix of Gloucester the weekend before. “The national championship course designed by Tom Stevens created enormous prestige for Providence. This city, this venue, and this course have generated enough buzz to get us this Category 1 status from the UCI,” said Richard Fries, marketing-communications director. “We’re expecting to draw big numbers and an international field and this is just our third year.” The Providence Cyclocross Festival is a key part of the Shimano Series as rounds three and four of the eight part series that focuses on the strength and heritage of cyclocross in New England. Amateur racers will also have something to fight for as this weekend hosts the sixth and seventh races in the prestigious Verge New England Championship Cyclocross Series that will once again crown the best amateur racers in New England.

To register and for more information, go to http://www.providencecrossfest.com.

About the Shimano New England Pro Cyclocross Series Presented by Verge: The 2011 Shimano Series includes eight races in four venues: The Great Brewers Gran Prix of Gloucester, Oct. 1 & 2 at Stage Fort Park in Gloucester, Mass.; The Providence Cyclocross Festival Presented by Interbike, Oct. 8 & 9 at Roger Williams Park in Providence, R.I.; The Cycle-Smart International, Nov. 5 & 6 at Look Park in Northampton, Mass.; and The NBX Grand Prix of Cyclocross Dec. 3 & 4 in Goddard Park in Warwick, R.I. For more information visit www.NEPCX.com

Shimano Launches Cyclocross Initiative with Series Sponsorship New England Sponsorship Creates Nation’s Richest ‘Cross Series

BOSTON (July 12, 2011) – A pioneer in developing components for cyclocross, Shimano America announced today its sponsorship of the UCI sanctioned New England Professional Cyclocross Series.

“Shimano prides itself on the values of culture and history,” said Penina Bush, senior manager at Shimano America. Having long sponsored the UCI World Cup, the World Championships, and regional series in America, Shimano recognized the heritage of New England cyclocross. “Shimano places great values on culture and history. We are honored to be aligned with the NEPCX to help strengthen the ‘cross scene. New England’s culture, history and passionate followers are something we identify with as a company and as passionate cyclists. We look forward to our involvement for years to come.”

The Shimano New England Pro Cyclocross Series Presented by Verge will include eight races with considerable heritage in a region famous for cyclocross, the steeplechase of competitive cycling. Those venues will include Gloucester, Mass.; Providence, R.I.; Northampton, Mass.; and
Warwick, R.I.

“Shimano recognized the power of the New England market in cyclocross,” said Richard Fries, marketing and communications director of the Shimano Series. “We are known for the quality of our riders, our venues, and our market. In looking to launch a cyclocross-specific component group, Shimano selected New England as the ultimate proving ground.”

The eight-race series is one of just three American cyclocross series sanctioned by the UCI. All events have UCI status with two, Gloucester and Providence, featuring Category 1 races. With Shimano’s backing, the series will offer more than $50,000 in prize money, including more than $10,000 for the overall series payout. Shimano has committed to the series for three years.

“We have thousands of ‘cross racers within a few hours’ drive of these venues,” said Paul Boudreau, promoter of the series opener in Gloucester, one of the most fabled UCI events in America. “With gasoline around $4 a gallon, we’re happy to offer so many competitors – and spectators – a chance to see world class competition that does not break the bank.”

The Shimano Series sprung from the Verge New England Cyclocross Series, one of the nation’s oldest and most prestigious series. Verge will remain committed to the series as presenting sponsor.

“This is like watching your baby graduate,” said Michael Magur, president of Verge and long time supporter of cyclocross. “These races, these venues, these promoters are going to take American ‘cross to new heights.”

About the Shimano New England Pro Cyclocross Series Presented by Verge: The 2011 Shimano Series includes eight races in four venues: The Great Brewers Gran Prix of Gloucester, Oct. 1 & 2 at Stage Fort Park in Gloucester, Mass.; The Providence Cyclocross Festival Presented by Interbike, Oct. 8 & 9 at Roger Williams Park in Providence, R.I.; The Cycle-Smart International, Nov. 5 & 6 at Look Park in Northampton, Mass.; and The NBX Grand Prix of Cyclocross Dec. 3 & 4 in Goddard Park in Warwick, R.I. For more information visit www.NEPCX.com.