2011 Midsummer Nights Cyclocross Race

by: Justin Gural

Kicking off the 2011 Cyclocross season with a bang, bash and some bruises, Raleigh Bicycles and MFG Cyclocross converted Nelson's Dairy Farm at Suncadia Resort into a technical course with big winnings to the top finishers.

This rare summer cyclocross event not only kicked-off the 2011/2012 US UCI Cyclocross season for the circuit's top riders, but the course was open to amateurs of all ages because it was timed around Raleigh's --and Diamondback Bikes'-- 2012 dealer sales meetings.

"We are very motivated to expose our retailers from around the country to the fantastic excitement centering around cyclocross in the US.... and offer them their own race category --with our 2012 line of cross bikes-- to close out our three-day retailer summit," states Brian Fornes, Raleigh Marketing.

In total, cash and merchandise prizes worth over $40,000 were dished out, including two pro contracts for the top elite man and woman racers --valued at $14,800 and $10,800 respectively for travel support and equipment including the Raleigh RX Carbon SS.

A number of well-known amateur riders put their racing calendars on hold for the chance to win the pro contract, and the runner-up cash purses weren't half-bad either --ranging from $1,500 to $250. As far as the Raleigh and Diamondback retailers who dove head-first into Cross racing, and the retailers and journalists who actually landed head-first at some point during the race, their winnings were in the shape of bragging-rights and bruises.

Over 200 riders battled through the bumpy, zigging course, which included a now-infamous gully downhill section that naturally turned into the "more cowbell" heckler hill. Spectators had it good even when they weren't heckling, thanks to a VIP catered tent courtesy of Raleigh and other festivities including a vendor expo and beer garden serving up local microbrew.

Here are photos from the race, and stay tuned for more info --in the form of 2012 product-- from our highly entertaining visit with Raleigh Bicycles and Diamondback Bikes. Photos by Justin Gural/JAG::Photo.

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