The Valmont City Bike Park was host to the 7th annual Boulder
Cup Cyclocross event this past weekend and thousands of spectators gathered to
watch some of the country’s most elite riders compete in a race of strength and
endurance.
Cyclocross is a form of racing done on modified road
bikes equipped for off-road terrain.
Races typically take place in the fall and in some areas all winter
long. This form of racing grew from a
desire to maintain fitness during the winter months while keeping up with
competition at the same time. Cyclocross
is also the perfect activity for us mountain bikers to keep up our endurance
during these colder months when our trails are usually covered in snow.
The Boulder Cup is Colorado’s premier Cyclocross event
and this year was no exception. Cycling teams gathered under their tents, the latest technology on display and some of the nicest athletes you'll ever find. I had the distinct pleasure of meeting my
first Olympian this year; Georgia Gould, bronze medalist in mountain biking at
the 2012 Summer Olympics in London. Riding
for team Luna Chix, she was among the elite women riders to compete this past
weekend and she dominated.
Valmont City Bike Park is an amazing place; the designers have
created a spectacular mountain bike training facility including a terrain park,
dual slalom run, two pump parks and several classic Cyclocross features
including a sandpit and two staircase run-ups.
Trails run in all directions, taking you on all sorts of trail options
with obstacles similar to what you’re likely to find up it the Boulder
foothills. The park contains elements to
help you in all areas of riding from balance and speed to rock hopping. If you’re into high speed banking, check out
the dual slalom course-it’s exhilarating.
The climbs are fairly easy so if you’re looking for climbing practice in
the winter, try Flagstaff road instead.
It was a great day of racing and the view of the Boulder
Flatirons was as clear as could be. Do
yourself a huge favor and visit the Valmont City Bike Park, it will surely be a day
well spent for kids and adults alike.
Just another indication that Boulder is the ultimate cycling destination....AR
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