Top Five Reasons to Watch Go Cross

If you’ve never attended Virginia’s Blue Ridge Go Cross Cyclocross Race presented by Deschutes Brewery you’re seriously missing out. This event began as a grassroots, local event as part of the annual GO Outside Festival and then moved to its current September date in 2016. Two years later in 2018, the Go Cross crew decided to take the race to the UCI level, making it the season opener for the entire pro cycling circuit. That’s when hundreds of riders flocked to Roanoke for the first time to be welcomed with open arms by our vibrant cycling community.

Last year’s cyclocross season took a hit due to the pandemic, giving this year’s race that ‘first day of school’ vibe. So join us this weekend, September 18-19, at Fallon Park Cyclocross Course for a festive weekend and read below the top five reasons you really don’t want to miss this year’s event.

#1 – Cyclocross is a High-Energy, Spectator-Drive Race Style

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.

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 $12,024 prize purse for elite riders. (That’s part of the reason you’ll get to see so many pro riders this weekend.)

#2 – The Bluegrass Theme

This year we’ve decided to celebrate all things Blue Ridge…bikes, beers, and bluegrass.

The last couple years we’ve added themes to the race weekend and it really ramped up the fun factor. Join the beer relay costume contest to win prizes, or just use the excuse to whip out your flannel, cut-off jeans, and straw hats. Live bluegrass music will begin at 11:30am both days with the Blue Connection Band.

#3 – The Bluegrass Beer Relay with Runabout Sports

Join our friends at RunAbout Sports for a beer and a lap (or two!) of the 1/4 mile beer relay course. This beer relay will take place at noon on Day 1 of racing at the Virginia’s Blue Ridge Go Cross presented by Deschutes Brewery. Stick around and cheer for the elite men and women races after.

Prizes will be awarded for the top teams and the best team costume so you’ll want to plan ahead and pull out all the stops. Must have 2 to 4 people per team, 2 minimum. All must be 21+, proof of age required.

$25 per team, covers entry for all and one delicious Deschutes brew per lap. Register Now.

#4 – Kids Strider Races

There is nothing more adorable than a strider race!

“Lil Belgians” U8 kids’ event will be held at NOON on Saturday and Sunday (Sept. 18-19) at Fallon Park. All bike styles allowed. The event is FREE, just show up 30 minutes early to sign the waiver and snag a bib for your kiddos.

#5 – Most Elite Racers in Go Cross History

This year’s two-day competition, Sept. 18-19, is the opening event of the UCI cyclocross season and on USA Cycling’s ProCX North American calendar. Professional and amateur athletes will be traveling from an unprecedented 33 states and four countries, with many more expected to register before the weekend.

This year’s race will be particularly epic thanks to recent changes in how UCI pro-rider points were calculated this year due to the pandemic, making for the steepest competition and deepest elite field in Go Cross history. To learn more about why Go Cross is stacked with elites this year check out the CX Hairs Bulletin.

GO Cross Details

  • When: Sept. 18-19
  • Where: Fallon Park – Virginia’s Only Permanent Cyclocross Course
  • Schedule: Online
  • Cost: Free for spectators
  • Registration for riders: Online through Sept. 15 at 8pm. Onsite prior to your race (onsite fee added).
  • Volunteers Still Needed: All volunteers receive a free shirt (only way to get a Go Cross shirt), a Hydroflask can cooler and chance to win a $150 East Coasters gift card. Sign up now.