By: Eva Campbell
FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. (UATV) – The wheels are set to spin as more than 13 countries gear up in Northwest Arkansas for four days of mountain bike racing at Centennial Park. Starting Wednesday, April 3, this event is a battle for the last qualification points for the summer Olympics.
Celebrating its fourth consecutive year in Fayetteville, the U.S. Pro Cup continues to attract a roster of participants. Race director Ty Kady said, “Our series has established itself as the place where Olympians and amateurs come to race at the highest level in the US.”
Saturday’s Hors Catégorie XCO race is the sole North American race offering riders and nations an opportunity to strengthen their standings before the summer games in Paris. With over 41 U.S. states represented across both professional and amateur categories, and countries as far New Zealand and Switzerland competing, this event is the largest cross country race in North America. According to Kady, 138 junior men and over 88 men will compete on Saturday.
Northwest Arkansas has become a premier destination for cross-country and short-track racing with a UCI course constructed to Olympic and World Cup standards. Featuring challenging elements such as rock gardens, double jumps, and berm corners. The course is supposed to test riders to hone their skills for international competition. Top riders from around the globe, including Olympian Christopher Blevins, will race at this event.
Spectators can enjoy the festival-style event for free at the park. Limited public parking is available on a first-come, first serve basis. However, you can walk or cycle to the event on the Fayetteville Traverse trail off Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
Centennial Park will be closed to the public through Sunday and then World Cup, Chasing gold, and Fayetteville Traverse (northeast and east) will be closed through Monday.
You can find the race schedule here.