RENO, Nev. (BRAIN) — Pro racer Teal Stetson-Lee is donning a race promotor's hat to help produce the first CrossReno event, planned for Sept. 19. The event will offer racers a preview of the 2018 USA Cycling Cyclo-cross National Championships, which will be held at the same venue. The event will also serve as a nearby follow-up for racers in Nevada to attend CrossVegas, being held Sept. 16.
CrossReno will include an all-day, all-ages party. Stetson-Lee said the course will include some novel features.
"We're excited to offer traditional cyclocross features as well as new, creative features that have never been done before," Stetson-Lee said. "We recognize racers enjoy familiar features, but having something like a straw pit with A lines and B lines will provide a new element to the course and hopefully something memorable."
Course builder Kevin Joel will use the park's hills to force riders off their bikes and gravel paths allowing for passing areas where riders can gain higher speed. "We want to create a course that is safe for the competitors, yet still provides something unique and challenging," Joell said, noting that includes working on a series of elevated wood planks to traverse various types of pits. "If [racers] can ride on the plank they can cross the sandpit and save time. If they lose their balance, they'll have to get off and run through it," Joell said. "It's an option for the more skilled riders to make up some time."
The festival is presented by Peppermill Resort and supported by Scott Sports USA. It will include food trucks, live music, activities for kids and the goal of attracting top international and national cyclocross racers.
More information: cxreno.com.
