Record Number Will Participate In Nationals

Kansas City, Kan. – A record number of registrants have signed up to race in the 2007 USA Cycling Cyclocross National Championships in Kansas City, Kan.

A total of 2,045 entries were received for the nearly 40 races that will take place between Thursday and Sunday, Dec. 13-16. at Wyandotte County Park.

Last year, 1,940 entrants took part in the championships in Providence, R.I. The last time the national championships were held in Kansas City, in 2000, only 600 riders participated.

“We’ve achieved our first goal – which was to better last year’s total,” said Race Director Bill Marshall of KLM Marketing Solutions. “Our next goal is to make sure that every racer comes away from the event with a positive experience.”

The athletes competing in this year’s championships come from 45 states, plus the District of Columbia. California will have the most representatives – 109 – followed by Kansas with 80 and Missouri with 79. The average age of a competitor is 32 years old.

The Masters Men’s 35-39 category has the most entries – 171 – followed closely by Elite men, which has 167 athletes registered, and the Masters Men’s 40-44 division, which has 161.

Non-championship and beginner-level races are scheduled for Thursday, Dec. 13. Age group national championship races are Friday and Saturday, Dec. 14-15. Collegiate and elite races will take place Sunday, Dec. 16. Admission is free and there is no charge for parking.

All competitors will receive a gift bag filled with merchandise from some of the more than 15 official event sponsors. Included will be an invitation to the post-event party Sunday at Dave and Buster’s at Village West in Kansas City. Racers will also receive a $5 game card to redeem at Dave and Busters.

Course and parking maps, and the opportunity to purchase official race apparel, are available at www.kccrossnationals.com.