Everything You Need to Know About GO Cross

Virginia’s Blue Ridge GO Cross Presented by Deschutes Brewery promises to entertain thousands this Labor Day weekend in Fallon Park in Roanoke, home of Virginia’s only permanent cyclocross course.

This year’s two-day competition will be even more exciting to watch, with pros from all over the world competing for a cash purse. Here’s everything you need to know before you come to GO Cross this weekend.

What is cyclocross?

Cyclocross can be described as a bike race in a steeplechase format with riders that hop on and off bicycles while leaping over barriers and sloshing through mud, navigating gravel pits, stairs, and barriers. (The best way to get a feel for it is to be there … or to watch the video above.)

When and where is GO Cross?

The weekend of racing starts on Saturday, Sept. 1 at 7:30 a.m. with a running race (RunCross, see more below) and the action doesn’t stop until the final races Sunday afternoon. Come and go or stay all day.

The order of the races is from least experienced riders to professionals. The elite men race each day at 3 p.m., followed by the women’s elites at 4:15 p.m.

All of the action is at Fallon Park in Roanoke.

Are there prizes?

Yes, this is a professional race. GO Cross is an official USA Cycling race, which will draw professionals from all over the country. GO Cross is perfect for first-timers, but also has a $10,000 prize purse for elite riders. (That’s part of the reason you’ll get to see so many pro riders on Labor Day weekend.)

You will see some of the best riders in the world:

• Kerry Werner might just be poised to dominate the sport.
• Tobin Ortenblad might be the favorite to win GO Cross.
• Will Cody Kaiser be the first to ride up the stairs at Fallon Park?
• Alex Ryan also rode the stairs at a cross race in Boulder!
• Crystal Anthony is the definite favorite to win the women’s category.
• Emily Shields (2018 Amy D. Foundation rider) won the collegiate cyclocross nationals last year.

What is there for spectators to do?

Mud-splattered riders. Professional cyclists pushing their limits. Cowbells clanging. Hecklers, encouraged.

Cyclocross is a spectator sport.

• Deschutes Brewery will be on hand pouring some awesome brews, including the new Fresh Haze. (Find it at the can bar overlooking the sand pit.) This is the second of two bars to enjoy fresh brews all weekend.
• There will be so much food, thanks to food trucks: Hanu Korean BBQ food truck, Longfin Grill, and Blue Cow Ice Cream.
• Tailgating! Cyclocross is known for tailgating almost as much as football.
• The pool at Fallon Park will be open for riders and spectators. It will be open Saturday and Sunday (noon-6 p.m.) and is free for racers, spectators, family, and friends. The pool house also has showers should you just want to rinse off.
• Even if you aren’t a biker, you can get in on the action with the RunCross 1 Hour Running Race, craft beer tastings, lawn games, giveaways, heckling, and more.
• After the race, join the GO Cross Race Crew for an after-party Saturday evening (6 to 10 p.m.) at the Deschutes Tasting Room in Downtown Roanoke.

Do I need to bring anything?

• GO Cross will not be serving beer out of single-use plastic cups. Please BRING A REUSABLE PINT as well as water bottles. The first 100 people to visit the Virginia’s Blue Ridge tent at Go Cross will receive a free stainless steel pint. If you forget your cup, we will have reusable cups available for sale for $5. 

What about parking?

Parking areas are marked with blue triangles on the map below. If the lots are full, please park at the elementary school at the top of the hill. We also recommend carpooling or riding your bike if you live locally because biking is awesome. Follow GO Cross on Facebook for last-minute details.

GO Cross

• When: Sept. 1-2
• Where: Fallon Park, 502 19th St. SE, Roanoke
• Schedule: Online
• Cost: Free for spectators
• Registration for riders: Online, women race free thanks to East Coasters (register by Aug. 29)