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What happens when a giraffe puts on a cyclocross race? Well, racers in the Upper Midwest will have the chance to find out this Saturday, October 19 at the 2019 GPJO, aka Grand Prix Jo Van Deraffe, held at Trek’s Waterloo, Wisconsin headquarters.

Now in its third year, the 2019 GPJO moves to the headquarters of Trek Bikes for the first race at the venue since the quite muddy World Cup Waterloo. The GPJO course will use parts of the World Cup course while putting its own twist on cyclocross racing at the venue.

Jo Van Deraffe is helping put on a cyclocross race this Saturday in Wisconsin.

Jo Van Deraffe is helping put on a cyclocross race this Saturday in Wisconsin.

GPJO is a “cyclocross celebration,” and it fits that billing with events for riders of all skills, ages and interests. The traditional race schedule will follow the 2019 Wisconsin CX Series p/b Trek Bikes daily schedule.

The GPJO Kids Race will take place at 11:05 a.m. for all cyclocrossers under the age of 9.

The race also offers free entries to all Women/Trans/Non-Binary first-time racers. Just let the folks at registration know and they will get you set up to race.

Finally, there will be a Tracklocross race at 3:45 p.m. for those with a fixed-gear point of view.

Riders of all levels and ages are welcome to race at GPJO.

Riders of all levels and ages are welcome to race at GPJO.

And if you are wondering, yes, the Secret Bar will be open, with DJ Azool spinning the tunes. Milwaukee’s Iron Grate BBQ will have its food cart on-site for pre and post-race nutritional needs.

Registration is now open for the 2019 GPJO. Online reg is open through midnight on Wednesday, October 16. On-site registration is also available. Save $10 and earn a call-up by registering online.

Click here to register for the 2019 GPJO

For more information and race updates, visit the event website.