2012 UCI World Cycling Tour in USA

Part I, 2012 UCI World Cycling Tour

Since we have covered the UCI WCT in the past we thought we should mention for USA readers that the only qualifying event in the USA was just announced, the Berkshire Cycling Classic in Lenox, Massachusetts on May 6, 2012. Below is the press release:

Sparta Cycling is pleased to announce that the first annual Berkshire Cycling Classic in Lenox, Massachusetts on May 6, 2012 has been named the American stop on the fifteen event UCI WORLD CYCLING TOUR for 2012 through 2014. The rides are held as Gran Fondo (Cyclosportif) event formats.

“The UCI (International Cycling Union) status adds a new dimension to the Berkshire Cycling Classic,” explained Sparta Cycling principal John Eustice. “Enthusiast cyclists can choose to experience a true UCI racecourse at their own pace, or really test themselves against the best national age group riders. The format is also ideal for licensed racers looking for a new challenge, and allows them the exciting chance to qualify for a World Championship.”

“Our Berkshire Cycling Classic offers a unique experience for cyclists, whether they want to have a ride with friends and family in Lenox and the Berkshire Mountains, or qualify for the UCI WORLD CYCLING TOUR final”, said Eustice.

The UCI World Cycling Tour (UWCT) is a series of UCI-sanctioned Gran Fondo/Cyclosportif events that are held all over the globe. The top 25% in each age group of the qualifier events will automatically have the right to compete in the UWCT Final and race for the coveted UCI rainbow jersey. The Berkshire Cycling Classic will be the only UWCT event in the United States this year.

“The Berkshire Cycling Classic allows any & all participants to a ride on a top-quality international road race course. The two routes are long and hilly and provide the perfect setting for those who wish to test their legs in a friendly and competitive atmosphere,” explained Eustice, a former US Pro Cycling champion. “It is very challenging, a fantastic course, reminiscent of a Tour de France.“

Starting and finishing in Lenox, Massachusetts on Sunday May 6, 2012, the Berkshire
Cycling Classic features route selections of 62 and 81 miles (100k and 130k). Overall times for both distances will be recorded and ranked according to age groups.

Lenox, nestled in the heart of the beautiful Berkshire Mountains provides the perfect host venue for this challenging Gran Fondo/Cyclosportif.

“Becoming the sole U.S. race on the UCI World Cycling Tour takes the Berkshire Cycling Classic to a level we never could have anticipated,” stated Kimberly Flynn, Chairperson of the Lenox Marketing & Events committee. “We look forward to hosting cyclists from all over the world in May and for years to come as they enjoy the beauty and culture of Lenox and the Berkshires.””

Registered riders in the UCI WORLD CYCLING TOUR sanctioned Berkshire Cycling Classic will receive technical support provided by Mavic USA, well-positioned “feed zones”, or rest stops, complete with energy food, choices for hydration, and areas to relax as they tackle the course. Pre-registered riders will receive a commemorative t-shirt and vendors will be on-hand to sell a limited edition jersey. Following the main event, riders and their families will be invited to a post-ride celebrations hosted by our many local partners (locations to be announced later this month).

For more information, please visit www.berkshirecyclingclassic.com

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Stories for the Italian Cycling Journal about rides, granfondos, touring, having a good time cycling in Italy, Italian cycling history, etc. are always welcome. Contact me at veronaman@gmail.com. There are more than 2,300 stories in this blog. The search feature to the right works best for finding subjects in the blog. There is also a translate button at the bottom so you can translate each page

2012 UCI World Cycling Tour

Launched in 2011, the UCI World Cycling Tour(UWCT) is a series of events for amateurs. Through qualifier events around the world, riders can obtain a place to participate in the UWCT Final, with a world title for their respective age group as the ultimate goal. On the line: the chance to earn a coveted UCI rainbow jersey.

The first edition of the UCI World Cycling Tour had 7 qualifier events in 3 different continents. The final in Stavelot (Belgium) on the famous hills of Liège-Bastogne-Liège attracted around 800 riders from 32 different countries and 6 different continents, all of them competing for the world titles in their respective age categories. The United States grabbed the most medals, beating out The Netherlands and Belgium for this prestigious honor.

The UWCT will hold a maximum of 15 qualifier events, 13 of which are already confirmed: two legs in Australia and one in South Africa, Canada, France, Greece, Germany, Slovenia, Belgium, Austria, Denmark, Spain, Brazil and Italy (which did not have a qualifying event last year). The Final where the new World Champions will be crowned will be held in Pietermaritzburg, South Africa. As for the rest of the qualifier events, negotiations are currently ongoing with organizers in the UK, and Mexico.

Event details to come but it has been announced that the 2012 Valley First Granfondo Axel Merckx Okanagan (VFGFAMO) is the UCI World Cycling Tour's only North American stop. Information at www.granfondoaxelmerckx.com. Note: only cyclists registered in the Granfondo category are eligible for the "road race" and qualification to the UCI World Cycling Tour's Final.

Rule changes: In 2011 riders who finished in the first 25% of their age category won a ticket to the UWCT final. This rule stays the same in 2012. In addition, riders who participate in 3 qualifier events during the season will also get their ticket to the final. They don’t have to finish in the 25% first in their age category. The world champions of Stavelot 2011 don’t have to qualify again. Both time trial and road race world champions get their direct ticket to the final of both disciplines. A road race world champion can also participate in the time trial final and vice versa. Silver and bronze medal winners will have to qualify again.

Photo: 2011 UWCT champions

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Stories for the Italian Cycling Journal about rides, granfondos, touring, having a good time cycling in Italy, Italian cycling history, etc. are always welcome. Contact me at veronaman@gmail.com. There are more than 2,300 stories in this blog. The search feature to the right works best for finding subjects in the blog. There is also a translate button at the bottom so you can translate each page.