by Paul Bodreau
The Great Brewers Gran Prix of Gloucester, Presented by Addison Gilbert Hospital and Hosted by Essex County Velo, is set for October 3rd and 4th and as the third and fourth stop on the NACT Series and promises to draw out top talent from across the country as it no longer conflicts with the Ohio C3 Cyclocross Festival. Follow the racing action LIVE right here on Cyclocross Magazine (see email reminders below).
Olympic, professional and amateur cyclists from across the US, Canada and Europe will be coming to Cape Ann for one of the most highly anticipated races of the cyclocross season. Maureen Bruno-Roy, Laura Van Gilder, Jonathan Page, Jeremy Powers, Tim Johnson, Jamey Driscoll, Joachim Parbo, Tim Van Nuffel and Andy Jacques-Maynes are all expected to make the start. Also of note is the return of Johnny “The Cat” Sundt to top-level cyclocross.
Referred to as the New England Nationals, The Great Brewers Gran Prix of Gloucester is a premier event in The North American Cyclocross Trophy national series – www.nacyclocross.com and anchors the most prestigious regional series in the US – the Verge New England Cyclocross Championship – www.cycle-smart.com/neccs.
Celebrating 11 Years
The Great Brewers Gran Prix of Gloucester celebrates its 11th anniversary this year. In 1999, 222 racers competed in the very first race. How did it all begin? Host club ECV has a strong cross tradition influenced by Stu Thorne. Stu raced cross in the 80’s with the likes of Paul Curley and Tom Stevens. After tossing around the idea of a cross race at Stage Fort Park for about two years, ECV got the City of Gloucester’s blessing and decided to hold the inaugural race in early October.
On the 16th of October 1999 the first Gloucester ECV Cyclocross Race was held on a bright, warm day with blustery winds. Two hundred and twenty-two racers competed with local favorite Tim Johnson taking the elite men’s race over second place Tobias Nestle of Germany. Jen Dial won the women’s event.
The race has grown considerably, and over 650 racers raced in 2008. The popularity of the Gran Prix of Gloucester continues to spread throughout Cape Ann, New England, and North America.
Race fans are invited to the Great Brewers Beer Garden. Hours are from 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM. IDs are required. The Gran Prix Expo will feature a food court, cycling organizations and local businesses.
When to Go:
The first race of the day starts at 8am on Saturday and Sunday. The Professionals (Elite Classes) compete from 2:30 to 4:30 on both days. [RACE SCHEDULE]
The Kid’s Race is at 2:00 PM on Sunday. Registration is on the day of the race and FREE! Up-and-coming racers from ages 5 to 12 are invited to compete. Participants should be at the stating line 45 minutes before start time.
The Great Brewers Beer Garden and Expo are open Saturday and Sunday. The Beer Garden’s hours are from 11:00am until 5:00 pm on both days.
Full race schedule:
Schedule:
8:00am – Cat 4 Men; 40 minutes; Medals & Merchandise – 3 deep
9:00am – Cat 4 Masters 35+/45+; 40 minutes; Medals & Merchandise – 3 deep
10:00am – Cat 3/4 Women; 30 minutes; Medals & Merchandise – 3 deep
10:00am – Junior Men 10-14 (Cat 1-4); 30 minutes; Medals & Merchandise – 3 deep
11:00am – Masters 45+; 45 minutes; $250 – 5 deep
11:02am – Masters 55+; 45 minutes; $250 – medals 3 deep
12:00pm – Cat 1/2/3 Masters 35+/45+; 45 minutes; $500 cash – 8 deep
1:00pm – Junior Men 15-18 (Cat 1-4); 45 minutes; $250 – 5 deep
1:00pm – Cat 3 Men; 45 minutes; $250 – 5 deep
2:00pm (Sunday Only) – Essex County Velo Kids Race
2:00pm – Course Inspection
2:30pm – UCI Elite Women; 40 minutes; $1421 – 15 deep
3:30pm – UCI Elite Men/U23; 60 minutes; $2171 – 25 deep
Getting There
by train: Newburyport/Rockport Line [MBTA]. Travel 1.3 miles to Stage Fort Park.
by car:
From Boston: Rt 93 North to 128 North, exit 14 (Rt 133) Take a right off exit onto 133 East. Follow signs to Gloucester Welcome Center/Stage Fort Park. Stay on 133 for about 2.8 miles. Turn right at Kent Circle and go through stop signs. The race is about 50 yards past the stop signs on the left.
From Points North: Take Rt 93 South to 128 North – follow as above.
Live Coverage
Can’t make the event in person? Follow it live right here:
