Free tickets now available for cyclocross World Cup race in October
Riders pedal through a muddy turn at the October 2019 FayetteCross event at Centennial Park in Fayetteville. / Photo: Todd Gill, Fayetteville Flyer
Tickets for the October UCI Cyclocross World Cup race are now available, officials with Experience Fayetteville announced.
The event, which is set for Wednesday, Oct. 13 at Centennial Park, will include riders from 13 countries. It’s one of only three World Cup races scheduled in the U.S., along with events in Waterloo, Wis. (Oct. 10) and Iowa City, Iowa (Oct. 17).
The race will offer a preview of the park and course, which will also host the 2022 Cyclocross World Championships, set for Jan. 28-30. It will be just the second time the United States has ever hosted the event.
The events are being funded using a $3.7 million grant from the Walton Family Foundation.
Cyclocross is a unique type of competitive racing that combines the speed of road bike races with the terrain of mountain bike events. The 30- to 60-minute races are held on shorter courses in which racers typically hop off and carry their bikes up steep uphill sections or over various obstacles.
“Cyclocross is one of the most entertaining types of bicycle racing as it really favors an in-person experience for the fans,” said Molly Rawn, chief executive officer of Experience Fayetteville. “Spectator-friendly, the courses are designed to put you in the middle of the action.”
Tickets to the October race are free, but registration is required. Spectators can reserve a free ticket at cyclocrossfayettevillear2021.com/tickets.
Organizers have established a COVID protocol for the event. Those planning to attend must be prepared to provide proof of full vaccination (final dose at least two weeks prior to the race) or proof of a negative COVID-19 diagnostic test (PCR or antigen) taken within 72 hours prior to entry. A screen shot on a mobile device will suffice.
Organizers said the large, open-air nature of the venue allows ample room for distancing. During times when distancing cannot be practiced, all attendees will be required to wear masks that cover the nostrils and mouth, according to a news release.
Parking Information
There is no onsite parking available at Centennial Park.
Spectators should park at Baum-Walker Stadium and catch a free shuttle to the park. Shuttles will run continuously from 9 a.m. until 6 p.m. for spectators.
Bikes are not allowed inside the race venue, but a bike parking area will be available. The bike parking area will be secure, but riders should lock their bikes and secure any valuables.
Event Schedule
10 a.m. – Gates open
12:30 p.m. – UCI Cyclocross World Cup, Women Elite
2:05 p.m. – UCI Cyclocross World Cup, Men Elite
Volunteers Needed
A variety of volunteer jobs and shifts are available. All volunteers will receive an official volunteer t-shirt to wear during their shift. Lunch will also be provided.
