Cyclocross Comes to Infineon Raceway, Nov. 15

Contact: John Cardinale

 (707) 933-3907

Sonoma Valley Cyclocross Event 

Comes to Infineon Raceway Nov. 15

 

SONOMA, Calif. (IMMEDIATE RELEASE) — Racecars and dragsters will give way to
bicycles on Saturday, Nov. 15, when Infineon Raceway hosts the Sonoma Valley
Cyclocross on a temporary 1½-mile course.

 

Cyclocross is the latest cycling rage: a hybrid of mountain biking, road
biking and running all in one race. Napa Valley Velo, an amateur club based
in Napa, will host the event, which will be sanctioned by USA Cycling, the
largest cycling sanctioning body in the country.

 

The course at Infineon Raceway will be laid out behind Turn 2 and include a
variety of terrains and elevations, as well as barriers and stairs.
Competitors will both race their bikes, as well as dismount and carry them
over barriers and up stairs. It’s kind of like a merger between cycling and
hurdling, all in one race.

 

Laps times are in the 5-7 minute range, and races range from 30 minutes for
novices to 60 minutes for professionals. Bicycles are usually road bikes
with more powerful brakes, custom gearing and meatier tires.

 

Approximately 150 cyclists are expected for the event, which will span from
8 a.m.-3 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 15. Entry fee is $20-25 depending on race
category, and $5 for juniors (ages 14-18). There will be six categories in
all, from novice to professional. Riders must have a USA Cycling license to
compete — a one-day license may be purchased through Napa Valley Velo on the
day of the event. For more information, visit
www.sonic.net/napavalleyvelo/svcx Spectators are free.

 

“Infineon Raceway has all of the facilities that make for a great cyclocross
event,” said Dave Carr, race director and president of Napa Valley Velo.
“The terrain is great, and it’s unique with its elevation changes, as well.
It should be very competitive.”

 

Top local competitors expected to compete include Berkeley’s Andy
Jacques-Maynes, who placed fifth at last year’s national championships, and
Los Gatos’ Jackson Stewart, who placed eighth. On the women’s side, San
Anselmo’s Rachel Lloyd placed second in last year’s national championships,
while Richmond’s Gina Hall was fourth. Other top female competitors include
Mary McConneloug (Fairfax), Carmen D’Aluisio (Watsonville) and Christine
Vardraros (Mill Valley). All three placed in the top 10 at the 2002 national
championships.

 

Carr said the sport originated in Europe more than 50 years ago, but has
enjoyed growth in the United States over the past five years. He estimated
that there are approximately 5,000-10,000 competitive cyclocross riders in
the country.

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John Cardinale

VP of Media/Community Relations

Infineon Raceway

Highways 37 &121, Sonoma, CA 95476

wk: 707-933-3907

cell: 707-334-9805