New Jersey Introduces Cross Cup Competition

The New Jersey Bicycling Association announced that it will be launching a seven race season long cyclocross competition known as the New Jersey Cross Cup (NJCC). Champions will be designated in A, B and C classes, women, and the following age groups: 10-14, 15-18, 35+, 45+ and 55+. The most successful team in the series will be designated the Grand Champion. The competition is open to out of state riders.

@##=#<1,L>@##=#The first event, sponsored by Westwood Velo, will take place at Campgaw Reservation in Mahwah. Designed by Roger Aspholm, Jersey’s top cross rider, the course is expected to be challenging, making use of Campgaw’s rugged terrain in the Ramapo Mountains. The Cup competition continues on Saturday, Oct 28 with Cross@Craigmeur, sponsored by Victory Bike, Board and Ski of Union. Utilizing another ski-related venue, Victory owner Tom Briede says the Craigmeur race will not only be fast, but will have the most spectacular foliage on the calendar, since the course is located primarily at the top of the old ski slopes. Other events include two of the Augusta Cross Series Races, on November 5 and 26, Beacon Cross on October 29, and the Highland Park race on November 12.

NJBA officials are still trying to expand the calendar, hoping to add one or two more events in December, leading up to the nationals. NJBA Cyclocross Committee member Wade Hess suggests the series could even continue into January.

Since NJ cross races are typically well attended by out-of-staters, the competition will not be limited to NJ riders, a break with tradition for an NJBA series. “Would it be weird for a New Yorker win the NJ Cross Cup?” asks NJBA president Bob Cary. “I don’t think so. Out of state riders make up more than 45% of the cyclocross entries in NJ. They come out and volunteer; they promote the sport; and I think our mission is to be inclusive, rather than exclusive.”

The full New Jersey Cross Cup schedule is available on the NJBA website, www.njbikeracing.com.

We’ve been given a free entry to each event, which we’ll give away each week. First to write in gets to race free this weekend at Mahwah. No repeat winners if possible, so Ugli and Littlefield, you’ll have to sit this one out.