How to go
What: Cincinnati International Cyclocross Festival
When: Saturday, Oct. 9. Registration at 9 a.m., races begin at 10:30 a.m.
Where: Sunset Park, Middletown
More info: Visit www.cxfestival.com, call (513) 403-1951 or e-mail ddobrozsi @cinci.rr.com.
MIDDLETOWN — Up to 450 racers are expected to converge on Sunset Park this Saturday as part of the three-day Cincinnati International Cyclocross Festival.
Doug Dobrozsi, the event organizer and former Middletonian, said the small park has been dubbed the “Wrigley Field” of cyclocrafting for its challenging serpentine track through a romantic park setting. The city’s receptiveness to the competition is why the cyclocross race has been held at Sunset Park for five years.
Racers of all ages from around the country and the world will compete in competitions on the about 2.5 mile track, which will feature two dismount areas.
The difference between normal biking and cyclocross, Dobrozsi said, is “going from a nice flat road to a grassy hill.” The track features many surface transitions, from pavement, to grass to gravel and sand. The racing season is just beginning — cyclocross competitions will run through the fall and winter, rain or shine, cold or snow.
Youth participation has been growing exponentially over the past 11 years, Dobrozsi said. Eleven years ago he launched a youth team, encouraging kids to get off the coach and onto a bike. At the beginning there might have been only four kids in each age category — usually his own. Now more than 20 will ride in each race. He’s hoping more youths will get involved.
“I am hoping more people start seeing what we are doing and start more youth teams,” he said. “Cyclocross is very family-friendly.”
Dobrozsi will be at Sunset Park at 6 p.m. Friday, Oct. 8, to take through any children who want to try to ride through the track.
During the competition Saturday, Oct. 9, two races will be offered free of charge for children and adults who want to try to race on the Sunset Park cyclocross track. Helmets are required and parents must sign a waiver form for their child to participate. Prizes will be given to racers on a first come, first serve basis and trophies will be given to winners in the Kids Fun Races for children age 4-9.
Youths ages 10-18 can still register for the juniors category at Sunset Park on Saturday. Entry costs $10.
Registration starts at 9 a.m. with races starting at 10:30 a.m. and running through 5:30 p.m. A kids area will be set up during the competition. And of course, fans or residents looking for some fun on Saturday are encouraged to head down to the park.
“The spectator culture is to make noise: cow bells and noisemakers are welcome,” Dobrozsi said. “It’s fun to watch.”
Sunset Park will be race No. 2 of the three-day event. A third race will be held Sunday, Oct. 10 at Harbin Park in Fairfield. Races begin at 10:30 a.m.
Contact this reporter at (513) 705-2843 or jheffner@coxohio.com.
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