For the first time ever, Cyclocross has come to Chatham County. The Briar Cross race held in Briar Chapel Sept. 24 drew 240 participants. Cyclocross is a discipline of off-road bicycle racing originally started in France by cyclists racing through farm fields in the off-season. It has recently grown in popularity in the United States.
A typical Cyclocross course is mostly on grass with a set of barriers which competitors have to dismount and carry their bikes over. Courses usually feature tight turns and rough terrain. These tight and technical courses set Cyclocross apart from traditional cycling disciplines.
Being the first of its kind in Chatham County, there were some challenges in putting on the race.
“The biggest problem is having enough support people to do all the work that is required,” said Todd Berger, race promoter and organizer. “We need people for setup and teardown, all of the race day activities including registration, giving away awards, posting results.”
However, the race organizers were optimistic for the future of Cyclocross in Chatham County.
“Today we had 30 people in our beginner women’s field, which was excellent,” said Judy Rhyne, USA Cycling race official. “We always want to see the women’s and junior’s fields grow, because juniors are the future of the sport…. It’s important to get more people on bikes and get people out here. When people try this sport, they fall in love with it; it’s just a matter of getting people out here.”
– By Joshua Eisner
