‘Race the World' at Windham World Cup

Published May 18, 2011 11:38AM

You may never be able to race against the world’s best mountain bikers, but at the Windham, New York stop of the World Cup in July you can race on the same course.

The Race the World cross-country and Gravity East Series downhill events will take place on the same weekend as the 2011 Windham Mountain Bike World Cup on July 9 and 10 in Windham, N.Y.

On Saturday, July 9, professional and category 1-3 cyclists can participate in the downhill event, which has a 3:15 p.m. start time. Entry fees range from $75 to $80. The DH event is part of the GravityEast East Coast MTB Downhill Race Series. Details on categories and points can be found at gravityeastseries.com.

On Sunday, July 10, cross-country racers will compete on the same course as World Cup athletes, in an event sponsored by Kenda Tires. Professionals, category 1-3 cyclists and first-timers are invited to participate.

Races start at 8 a.m. for pro and Cat 1 riders; Cat 2, Cat 3 and first-timers have a 10:15 a.m. start time. Entry fees range from $25 to $50. Race the World XC is part of the New York State MTB series and the Root 66 Northeast XC Race Series. Details on categories and points can be found at www.nysmtbseries.com and www.root66raceseries.com.

Kids will also have a chance to Race the World on a 1/8 to 1/4 mile loop at the Windham Mountain base near the lodge. The Kids’ Fun Race is appropriate for children up to age 12. Participants are asked to bring their own bikes. Heats will be broken down by age. The race starts at 12:45 pm on Sunday; there is no entry fee.

Riders are encouraged to register for the cross-country, downhill and Kids’ Fun Race by visiting www.racewindham.com (click on non-UCI, and follow instructions at www.bikereg.com). Online registration closes Friday, Jul. 8, at 9 p.m.

Registration entitles racers to participate in all World Cup festivities at Windham Mountain including a Friday night Block Party on Main Street in Windham; live music on Saturday night (bands TBA); and a “Big Wheel” race down a steep, paved course (BYOBW). Unlike most international World Cup venues, there will be no fees charged to enter the venue or the consumer and tech expos. To help defray the tremendous organizing costs and to keep the World Cup in the U.S., a minimal fee for parking – $10 for an entire carload for one day, or $25 for three days – will be charged.