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Cyclo-Cross Grand Prix takes place this weekend at Jackson Park

Cyclocross Grand Prix takes place at Jackson Park this weekend. [PHOTO BY JAMIE ARKFELD]

By Lightning Reports, Published: November 22, 2024

The North Carolina Grand Prix returns to Jackson Park this weekend following area-wide impacts due to Tropical Storm Helene. The event hosts cyclocross racing Saturday and Sunday for all ages and categories in one of the last stops of USA Cycling’s National Cyclocross Calendar.

The grand prix is hosted by North Carolina Cyclo-Cross and presented by sponsor Hunter Subaru.

Because of the race Jackson Park closed for the weekend for other activities. The park will reopen Monday morning.

“NCCX is excited to be able to welcome racers back to Jackson Park for the NCGP this year," said Tim Hopkin, founder/promoter of the North Carolina Grand Prix. "Thank you to Henderson County staff for their work to safely reopen Jackson Park following damage from Tropical Storm Helene. While historical flood levels were reached in the park, course features and infrastructure are unaffected and the NCGP course will remain a test of fitness and skill for racers.”
The event is free for spectators to watch and support local vendors like the Flat Rock Village Bakery and more.

Racing starts at 8:10 a.m. on both race days, with the featured UCI Elite Women starting at 1:15 p.m. and the UCI Elite Men pedaling off at 3:25 p.m. The NCGP will also feature the UCI Jr 17-18 Women and Men categories at 10:05 a.m. and 11 a.m.

Cyclocross is a fast-paced, spectator-friendly cycling discipline that combines road and mountain bike aspects, requiring riders to switch terrains and at times dismount and run or carry their bikes. Racers range from junior riders to master’s categories, and novice-expert races are offered. Founded in 1997, the North Carolina Cyclo-Cross Series consists of 12 races each season across North Carolina.