Austin and Asheville to Host Cyclo-cross

Austin, Texas, and Asheville, N.C., will host USA Cycling’s 2015 and 2016 Cyclo-cross National Championships respectively.  
 The cyclo-cross national championships are expected to bring upwards of 1,200 competitors and 10,000 spectators to these communities.

USA Cycling evaluated potential host cities using various criteria, including: accessibility, community support, course options, technical expertise and the organization’s commitment to volunteer recruitment, marketing and lodging. Each community will be required to host an international-caliber test event ahead of the national championships.
 
Austin’s Zilker Park will host the 2015 version of the USA Cycling Cyclo-cross National Championships. The beautiful urban park will offer an exciting venue near the heart of downtown Austin, a thriving city with a strong cycling community recently rated one of the Top 20 Most Bike-Friendly Cities in America by Bicycling Magazine.  
Austin is pumped, declared Matthew Payne, executive director of the Austin Sports Commission. “This event will be another chance to showcase our dynamic city to cyclo-cross athletes all over the country. Austin is long overdue for an event of this caliber and we’re excited about working closely with USA Cycling officials and sharing this with our strong cycling community.
 
Asheville, N.C. and the historic Biltmore Estate will be on tap to bring the cyclo-cross national championships to the southeast for the first time in 2016. The national championship course will be set amongst the 8,000 acres of America’s largest home, nestled in the mountains of western North Carolina.  
 
“Asheville is pleased to be chosen as the host for the 2016 USA Cycling Cyclo-cross National Championships,” said Ben VanCamp, Asheville-Buncombe Regional Sports Commission senior advisor. “We are looking forward to showcasing our strong and supportive cycling community.”

About USA Cycling: Recognized by the United States Olympic Committee and the Union Cycliste Internationale, USA Cycling is the official governing body for all disciplines of competitive cycling in the United States, including road, track, mountain bike, BMX and cyclo-cross. As a membership-based organization, USA Cycling comprises 64,000 members; 2,700+ clubs and teams; and 34 local associations. The national governing body sanctions over 3,100 competitive and non-competitive events throughout the U.S. each year and is responsible for the identification, development, and support of American cyclists. To learn more about USA Cycling, visit usacycling.org.