Cyclocross (cx) is an extremely athletic and exciting style of bicycle racing where cyclists race on a 1.5 - 2 mile closed-loop course.

The Fallon Park cyclocross course combines grass, pavement, and dirt surfaces. It has features that test cx skills like stairs, a sandpit, barriers (like hurdles), a flyover (a giant ramp/bridge), steep climbs, entertaining twists and turns.

The category racers are in determines the length of the race in minutes. For example, 9-10 year old Boys and Girls race for 30 minutes; while the professionals (elites) race for an hour. Racers try to complete as many laps as possible within that timeframe.

Friday, Sept 12th

• 5-7 pm Welcome Party with Trek Roanoke (Free hot dogs and burgers for those who RSVP) - come to scope out the course and the riders. Great opportunity to meet folks and learn more about cyclcross.

Saturday, Sept 13th & Sunday, Sept 14th - Same schedule, but the course is different.

• 7:45 am Racing Begins

• Check out the full race schedule here.

• 12:15 pm Lil’ Belgians Race - FREE race for kids 9 & under.

• 12:50 pm UCI 17-18 Women (pre-professional teen athletes!)

• 1:50 pm UCI 17-18 Men (pre-professional teen athletes!)

• 2:55 pm UCI Elite Women - these are the pros!

• 4:05 pm UCI Elite Men - these are the pros!

• 5:15 pm Elite podiums

Saturday after the race:

• 5:30 pm Fat Tire Beer Mile Relay with RunAboutSports - stick around after the podiums to race or heckle the runners!

Basics

Cowbell - Handheld bell. Let’s be honest, this is the #1 thing you need to know. It’s ALL about the cheers and jeers.

Tape - This is what the majority of the course is made of. Stay outside the tape unless you’re part of the race. You got this.

Crossings - These are the only places you can cross the course. Let the marshals tell you when it’s safe, stay right, and move quickly. You’re doing great.

That’s it, the rest is gravy.

Want to sound like you know what’s happening?

• The GOCX announcer team will be narrating the action and providing insights on all things cx all day long. BUT, if you want to study up, here’s a crash course talking like you know cx.

• Want to head down a rabbit hold of YouTube content on the sport? We got you, start here.

The acronyms - For those who wish to truly nerd out.

• USAC - USA Cycling. The governing body of US cyclocross racing (among other disciplines.) The officials you see on course judging performance and maintaining safety are from USAC. Go Cross is the second stop on the USAC Cyclocross National Series.

• UCI - Union Cycliste Internationale. The governing body of International cyclocross racing. UCI points are a major motivator in elite racing and determine where athletes are positioned in the starting corral. Go Cross is one of the first UCI races of the season, making it a huge opportunity for athletes to build up points.

• USCX - The premiere series of US cyclocross racing sponsored by Trek. These four races are the top tier for points, elite competition, and race experience. Go Cross is the first event, next is in Rochester, NY; third is Charm City in Baltimore, MD; and fourth is the Trek Cup in Waterloo, Wi.