(Philadelphia, PA)-  Cross-curious Philadelphians can check out this increasingly popular cycling discipline at the WhirlyBird ‘Cross race which will be held at Bensalem High School, a new location for 2012.

Cyclocross resembles steeplechase on bicycles.  Competitors regularly dismount their machines to leap over natural and fabricated barriers, to cross sand or mud, or to run up steep inclines.

Race director Trevor Williams of Guy's Racing Club expressed appreciation for former venue host Bryn Athyn College and looks forward to the new Bensalem High School location.  "We're excited about the new location at Bensalem High School and our sponsors’ support which has helped WhirlyBird ‘Cross grow into a premier Mid-Atlantic cyclocross race."

Hugely popular in Belgium, cyclocross is growing in popularity in the U.S.   This year, a few European riders have begun their seasons racing in the MAC series.  British National Champ Helen Wyman blazed through the field at Nittany Cross, the MAC Series opener, as did France’s Nicolas Bazin (BigMat Auber) at rounds 3 and 4 at Baltimore’s Charm City Cross.

Elite Belgian racer Mike DeBie will make his U.S. debut at WhirlyBird wearing the Philadelphia Cyclocross School kit.  Philadelphia Cyclocross School is a developmental program that hosts international racers who in turn mentor younger American racers.

Team Director Jed Kornbluh introduces Mike: "A 19-year-old from Heist-op-den-Berg, Antwerp, Belgium, Mike began racing at the age of 11, competing in both road and cyclocross, and his entire family including two uncles and father are known for their racing prowess. He has memories of traveling to see their races as a boy and fell in love with the sport. At age 14 Mike, took 1st place in Paris-Roubaix and is also a 3X Gold Medalist in the Belgian National Time Trial Championships.

Women’s Cross Clinic

Women interested in learning about cross can attend a free clinic led by elite racer Kristin Gavin of the Team CF squad.  The clinic will run from 8-10am and cover basic skills and racing strategies.  Women’s racing begins at 11am, so the clinic will be a primer for novice competitors.

 

Frameset Raffle

Presenting sponsor Fuji Bikes has donated an aluminum frameset that will be raffled off to a lucky registered rider.  Fuji Bikes has contributed a frameset to be raffled at each of the MAC Series races.  Additionally, overall winners of the B men and B women category will receive a carbon frameset.

Cross is a family friendly event.  Wear rain boots to keep your feet dry and bring cowbells to cheer the riders.  As Williams noted, “"We're proud that we've been able to maintain the race's grassroots feel.  There's something here for the whole family - from races ranging in skill level from beginner to professional and Lil’ Belgian races to a beginner women’s clinic hosted my Team CF's Kristin Gavin."

Information and Registration

Pre-registration closes at noon Thursday, September 27.  Avoid the day-off registration fee by pre-registering. For more information, contact Bikereg.com or Guy’s Racing Club.