Preseason CX Bonus in Newton

8/15/2018

Cyclocross is coming -- and sooner than you might think. Of course, Mason City's Cannonball Cross kicks off the Iowa Cyclocross Series on Labor Day weekend. But the week before, Saturday August 25, BikeIowa is treating us to a very special bonus race in Newton. The Intergalactic Cyclocross Championships will bring cyclocross to Maytag Park for the first time in ten years.

photo by Paul Varnum

Don't let the name fool you: despite its interstellar scope, organizers promise the Championship will be a fun, low-key event, with "A" and "B" races and baked goods for prizes. Even still, people are pretty stoked to race in Newton again, especially at Maytag Park.

"Maytag Park gives everything," BikeIowa's Rob Versteegh said. "Hills, flats, pavement, lots of trees, spirited run-ups. Maytag park is a beloved venue that we get lots of requests to use again."

photo by Paul Varnum

The park's cyclocross history goes way back. "It's where we started this whole 'cross movement back in 2000," explained Versteegh. Even if you didn't race 'cross back then, you might have heard of Cross Mafia. "Marc Holldander and I promoted these races. We both grew up in Newton and we knew the venue would be great."

Cross Mafia hosted cyclocross in Newton's Woodland Park as well, and the two venues served as Iowa State Championships for several years. "When it went to a different team, we joked about doing something even BETTER and had one of our events be the Intergalactic Championships. So I guess the name is throwback too ... not just the venue!"

photo by Julie Goodman

photo by Paul Varnum

This year's event will run from 10am to 1:15pm, with 35 minute races for A & B women, juniors, and B men, and a 45 minute race for A men. Registration is relatively inexpensive and the prizes are pies and cookies.

The course is a classic: hilly, with at least one big run-up; one or two sets of barriers each lap; wide open and varied terrain in the east and south parts of Maytag Park. "People loved the course. It's fun, challenging, different," said Versteegh, "And there is some nostalgia around it, as it's where so many folks got their start." A perfect warm up for a hectic cyclocross season.

photo by Julie Goodman

photo by Paul Varnum

BikeIowa's Capital City Cross is at Stone Park, in downtown Des Moines. The race Saturday isn't quite so far. Maytag Park is just 80 miles from Iowa City. "Newton is closer to you eastern Iowa folks. We want to see if that gets better turnouts than the metro does."

Check for the latest info at BikeIowa, and register at USACycling.

Thanks to Julie Goodman and Paul Varnum for some fun photos!