The last, best race of the year

Lone Star Cyclocross Festival
State of Texas Championship Races
Raw Beginners to Seasoned Pros Racing in Austin
January 16-17, Martin Luther King Holiday Weekend

The Lone Star Cyclocross Festival, the last major race on the U.S. Cyclocross Calendar, will be taking place in Austin on Saturday and Sunday January 16 and 17, 2010. It will be a chance for the frenetic hoards of ‘cross racers from Providence to Portland to escape the cold and finish their season enjoying Austin’s mild weather, incredible hospitality, unmatched competition, and legendary night life. Registration is now open at BikeReg.com

Each day of racing will feature the awarding of State Champion Jerseys for categories ranging from beginner through pro, and kids through seniors for both men and women. The University of Texas will be co-hosting its conference championship, facing racers from Texas A&M, Texas State, Baylor, the University of Houston, and other schools. There will also be the first-ever State Championship awarded in the notorious Single Speed category, where racers opt to suffer a little extra by forgoing gears.

Anyone can participate in the races. According to Chris Gescheidle of Athletic Volition, cyclocross is the ideal format for cyclists to try their hand at racing, with short events in a safe, car-free environment. The glorious confines of Travis County East Metro Park is the ideal venue to cheer on your friends and family, with a waterfront pavilion and pier that provide unfettered views of all the racing action, as well as a comfortable indoor setting to take a break. Mellow Johnny’s Bike Shop will be on hand all weekend providing expert mechanic service, and is now offering the official race t-shirt both in the store and online, the perfect gift for the cyclocross fanatic this holiday season.

Racers have already signed up from Arkansas, Ohio and North Carolina, looking for the chance to escape to Austin for the MLK Holiday weekend, and take advantage of the great weather – and great deals. Discounted rooms are available at the Courtyard by Marriot Airport and Downtown locations, both of which are pulling out the red carpet for the participants, offering a bike wash and secure storage.

For more information about the event, contact Andrew Stackhouse at pirateraceproductions@gmail.com or go to www.lonestarcyclocross.com