This coming weekend the best riders and biggest international trade teams in the world are coming to Windham, NY to compete in the UCI World Cup Finals! This is a landmark event, as the World Cup makes its return the the US for the first time in several years. The fanfare, racing and energy will be at an all time high, as the pagentry and global importance of this (w/in the international cycling community), historical significance and making and breaking of people's dreams are all on the line. This is is huge for the future of American mountain bike racing, especially as for the first time in YEARS, there are US riders in the top 5 overall in the World Cup points standings (Willow Koerber in XC and Aaron Gwin in DH, both respectively riding for iconic American based companies Gary Fisher and Yeti) with a legitimate shot at the World Cup title. It comes down to their home turf! YOU can race it, too, as they have full classes for citizen racing that anyone can enter, on Sunday.
Racing begins Friday with DH and 4X qualifying, PRO XC and 4X finals Saturday, then the DH Finals on Sunday. I rode several training laps on the XC yesterday and it is amazing (especially circulating with the Orbea Bicycles international team and a few Aussie world cup contenders -- granted I was on a moto). Great flow, quick laps, tons of great sections and full spectator access at 18 min/lap. The DH is sick, and the 4X track is massive.
Truly, there has been nothing like this on US soil for many years, and history will be made this coming weekend. If you are not already committed this coming weekend, this will be a phenomenal experience to take in.
Info can be found here:
www.racewindham.com