HAPPY VALLEY, NC (October 16, 2017)…Cyclocross is returning to the Patterson School in Happy Valley for its 3rd consecutive year on Saturday, October 28th. Over 400 racers from NC and surrounding states will compete in the race, hosted by the Fiets Maan Racing Team presented by GRAVA Bikes of Lenoir. The race is a family-friendly event and free to spectators. It is the first event in the 14-race NC Cyclocross (NCCX) Series, which is entering its 21st season. The Patterson School race is the first of two race days over the weekend in the High Country, with racing in Boone on Sunday at the High Country Fairgrounds.
Cyclocross is off-road bicycle racing. Racers compete on a short circuit, typically about a mile and a half long and including grass, gravel and trail. Races very from 30 to 60 minutes, with racers completing around 5 to 10 laps. Courses have technical features that require racers to dismount and run with their bikes over barriers, through sand or mud, and up short, steep hills – making it an exciting spectator sport. In addition to hosting the race, Fiets Maan Racing is designing and setting up the course on the campus, and it will feature stairs, a sand pit, and plenty of hills. The layout of the course will provide excellent vantage points for spectators to see large sections of the race.
A portion of the race proceeds will benefit Patterson School Foundation’s restoration of the historic buildings on campus. Racing will begin at 10am and run until 5pm. There will be 14 USA Cycling sanctioned races, with categories available for first-time racers. There will also be a free youth race at noon. Racers from 5 to 70 will compete, including professional races with equal prize money for both men and women. Food and beverages will be available for purchase. Campus address is 4646 Patterson School Drive, Lenoir, NC – 9 miles north of Lenoir on Highway 268. More information can be found at the 2016 Patterson CX Race Facebook page and at www.nccyclocross.com
