WHAT – The 17th annual HPCX will include 36 events for the nation’s top cyclists in the sport of cyclo-cross. HPCX is the second longest running internationally sanctioned cyclo-cross event in the country. The two days of races at HPCX are the penultimate stops of the Mid Atlantic Cyclocross Series, which offers 10 events in four states. HPCX will also serve as the only stop in the state for the Eastern Collegiate Cycling Conference (ECCC). The Elite Women’s and Men’s races held both days are Category 2 (C2) level competitions, part of the USA Cycling Professional Cyclocross Calendar (Pro CX).
SCHEDULE OF EVENTS BOTH DAYS
- 8:30 a.m. – 12:45 p.m. Amateur Races (masters, juniors, various categories)
- 12:55 p.m. Lil’ Belgians childrens races
- 1:15 – 2:05 p.m. UCI Elite Women (Pro CX)
- 2:15 – 3:15 p.m. UCI Elite Men (Pro CX)
- 3:30 – 4:15 p.m. Category 3/4 Men
COURSE – A three-kilometer course through Thompson Park will include dirt, grass, and pavement for cyclo-cross competitors and provides off camber turns, two run-ups and one section of artificial barriers. A signature sand pit was added in 2015 and will return this year. The course provides convenient viewing areas for spectators.
MORE – HPCX is presented by Highland Park Hermes and Rutgers University Cycling Team. The event helps to support the Rutgers University Cycling team. Sponsors include Kim’s Bike of New Brunswick and The Princeton Psychological Center.
Cyclocross 101
This is like NASCAR, bike racing, and a steeplechase all rolled into one. It’s at Thompson Speedway, it’s a ton of fun to watch, and it’s a big party atmosphere. Spectators are right next to the action and the race course passes you in all different directions. You are free to roam about and see different parts of the course and watch how the athletes handle different sections. Riders race around an off-road circuit on bicycles that look very similar to road bikes, but have been built to take on the demands of rougher off-road racing. Circuits are typically 1.5 to 2 miles long, and feature obstacles that may force the rider to dismount their bicycle. Multiple laps showcase the phenomenal skills and speed of elite riders.
Eastern Collegiate Cycling Conference
The Eastern Collegiate Cycling Conference (ECCC) is one of the 11 regional conferences comprising USA Cycling Collegiate. The ECCC organizes races for high school and collegiate bicycle racers from Delaware to Maine. Over a thousand students and 60 schools compete in track, mountain bike, cyclo-cross, and road racing events throughout the year.
About USA Cycling
Recognized by the United States Olympic Committee and the Union Cycliste Internationale, USA Cycling is the official governing body for all disciplines of competitive cycling in the United States, including BMX, cyclo-cross, mountain bike, road, and track. As a membership-based organization, USA Cycling comprises 64,000 members; 2,700+ clubs and teams; and 34 local associations. The national governing body sanctions over 3,100 competitive and non-competitive events throughout the U.S. each year and is responsible for the identification, development, and support of American cyclists. To learn more about USA Cycling, visit usacycling.org and follow on Twitter @USACProCX.
