jhanscom posted on November 30, 2007 11:44
November 29, 2007 – The US Gran Prix of Cyclocross (USGP) presented by Crank Brothers moves to the Pacific Northwest for the exciting series finale at the Toyota Portland Cup.
Taking place at the Portland International Raceway, the USGP Toyota Portland Cup will host the last two days of racing in the six-race national series and will determine the USGP Champions and who will receive an automatic USA Cycling world championship berth. 2007 marks the fourth consecutive year Portland will play host to the USGP. The event is supported by the Portland Metro Toyota Dealers.
“Portland has been a great partner and host city for the USGP since the beginning and we’re thrilled to return to Portland for the fourth consecutive year,” added Bruce Fina, Executive Director, US Gran Prix of Cyclocross. “Each of the elite races will come down to who races best here in Portland.”
“The local Toyota dealers are proud to sponsor the final weekend series of the US Gran Prix of Cyclocross -- the Toyota Portland Cup,” said Russ Humberston Jr., Beaverton Toyota. “There is a tremendous excitement for the sport of cyclocross here in Portland and we are glad we can help bring the best cyclocross racing in the US to town.”
The USGP Toyota Portland Cup will be held on the same cyclocross course used for the 2004 National Championships and should be a challenge for the series finale.
“The course is relatively flat and offers spectators a wide open view of almost the entire course from the infield at Portland International Raceway,” said Brad Ross, local organizer for the USGP of Cyclocross Toyota Portland Cup. “As in the past, we expect that having our race in December means that the weather is going to play a huge role in the outcome.”
As expected, the weather will play a factor with rain and snow showers predicted throughout the weekend.
Elite Men
Defending USGP Champ Ryan Trebon (Kona - YourKey) is coming off a weekend sweep in New Jersey at the USGP Mercer Cup where he reclaimed the leader’s jersey from Tim Johnson (Cannondale/Lear/cyclocrossworld.com). Johnson sitting just six points behind Trebon in the standings is well within striking distance of the leader’s jersey and the overall championship. Johnson’s teammate Jeremy Powers (currently third in the standings) and Trebon’s Kona teammate Barry Wicks (fourth overall) will also be a threat this weekend and in the hunt for a podium spot.
Elite Women
In the Elite Women's field, USGP leader Georgia Gould (Luna) looks to maintain her series lead.
Gould’s sweep in Mercer allowed her to don the leader’s jersey and take the lead from Katie Compton (Spike Shooter) who missed the last stop of the USGP while in Belgium winning her first ever World Cup race. Compton, who is now ranked #2 in the World, will be back and looking to make some noise in the women’s field. Also, vying for the series lead are Alison Sydor (Rocky Mountain Haywood) who sits in second place overall and defending USGP champion Lyne Bessette (Cyclocrossworld.com) currently third.
U23
If you thought the Elite Men and Women’s standings were tight, check out the U23 field were a mere eight points separate first and third place. Series leader Jamey Driscoll (FiordiFrutta) parlayed a victory and a third place finish in Mercer to claim the series leader’s jersey heading into Portland. Bjorn Selander (Ridley) sits just two points behind Driscoll and World Silver Medalist Danny Summerhill (Clif Bar) lurks in third place just eight points back.
2007 Toyota Portland Cup Schedule of Events:
Clif Bar Kid’s Clinic
Friday, 3:30 - 4:30 pm - Portland International Raceway
The weekend kicks off with the Friday afternoon Clif Bar Kids' Cross Clinic with World Championship Silver Medalist Danny Summerhill, Team Clif Bar's Ben Turner and USGP Technical Director Geoff Proctor at the Race Venue - registration is free and limited to the first 30 kids ages 10-16 on BikeReg.com
Friday Night Number Presentation Ceremony:
Fans and Media are invited to get a head start on the weekend's fun by attending the Number Presentation Ceremony at River City Bicycles (706 SE MLK Blvd. Portland, Oregon 97214) from 6:00 pm to 8:00pm
Saturday and Sunday – USGP Race #5 and #6
The USGP Toyota Portland Cup features two full days of racing for amateurs and pros. Spectators can shop the expo for the latest cycling gear, and hang out all day to watch the non-stop cyclocross action. Racing begins at 8:30 am and the Pros start at 1:45 pm.
8:30 am - Cat 4 Men
9:15 am - Junior 10-16 - Cat 3/4 Women
10:00 am - Cat 2/3 Men
11:15 am - USGP Juniors 17-18 - Masters 45+/55+
12:15 pm - USGP Masters 35+
1:45 pm - USGP Elite Women
3:00 pm - USGP Elite Men
About the US Gran Prix of Cyclocross presented by Crank Brothers
The US Gran Prix of Cyclocross presented by Crank Brothers is the premier cyclocross series in the United States. The six race series attracts the best racers from across North America who compete for the series overall championship and an automatic USA Cycling world championship berth.
The USGP kicked off October 27 – 28 in Louisville, Kentucky with the Papa John’s Derby City Cup presented by Toyota. The second stop was the Mercer Cup presented by Knapp’s Cyclery in West Windsor, NJ on November 17-18. The series returns to Portland, Oregon for the fourth consecutive year for the Toyota Portland Cup final races December 1-2.For more information on the USGP, visit www.usgpcyclocross.com.