In an effort to, “progress the sport of cyclocross through women’s and junior racing development,” the KMC Cross Fest, which recently moved to its new home at Thompson Speedway Motorsports Park, has recently announced that women will earn equal prize payouts and that the event will see the addition of a Women’s Category 2/3 race.
“The elite women’s prize purse is equal for both days. The women now have a combined Category 2 and 3 option for Saturday and both the men and women will be category 3 only races on Sunday providing ample options and opportunities for elites and amateurs alike,” explains Competition Director Patrick Goguen.
Event Director (and occasional grit.cx contributor) Richard Fries expands on Goguen’s statement by adding, ” We are in this for the long haul. We need to develop junior racing and we need to develop women’s racing if we are going to be truly an international event.”
Additionally, KMC Cross Fest is making a concerted effort to make the sport more widely appealing. Fries also mentions that the event is partnering with the Major Taylor Association. Named for the legendary cyclist, the organization is, “Dedicated to recognizing sportsmanship, promoting nonviolence and caring for those less fortunate.” Together. KMC Cross Fest and the Major Taylor Association are supporting the Gran Fondo New England. “It’s also important that we become a sport accessible to all people regardless of their income or race. That’s why we have also partnered with the Major Taylor Association,” adds Fries.
KMC Cross Fest goes down 30 September through 2 October at Thompson Speedway Motorsports Park in Thompson, Connecticut. The schedule of events for the weekend include UCI Cat 1 racing, other races for all levels of the sport, the aforementioned Gran Fondo, a vast expo area, camping for racers and spectators, and all sorts of food and entertainment.
If this sounds like your kind of thing, head on over to BikeReg to register for all the fun. It’s one of the premier cyclocross events in the US, and the competition and festive atmosphere is legendary.
Keep an eye out for post-weekend coverage right here on grit.cx.
And for your Friday viewing pleasure, because we know you’re not into working today, here’s a video of the entire women’s race at the 2015 KMC Cyclo Cross Festival. You’re welcome.
