Seattle, WA – May 27, 2011 — Raleigh Bicycles and MFG Cyclocross are kicking off the cyclocross season two months earlier than the rest of the country with Raleigh’s Midsummer Nights Cyclocross in conjunction with the Raleigh Retailer Summit at Suncadia Resort in Roslyn, WA on July 21, 2011.
This rare summer cyclocross race starts the cyclocross season early, yet boasts one of the top prize purses for any domestic cross race this year, with a cash and merchandise prize list exceeding $40,000. For the Elite Men and Women’s races, Raleigh Bicycles will have a “pro contract” on the table for the top finishing rider without an existing contract for the 2011/2012 US UCI Cyclocross Season.
“We are very motivated to expose our retailers from around the country to the fantastic excitement centering around cyclocross at this time in the US. We are excited to get our retailers out riding and racing our 2012 line of cross bikes and then offer them their own race category to close out our three-day retailer summit,” states Brian Fornes, Raleigh Marketing Guy.
Says Fornes, “Plus, the summit will end with one of the largest prize payouts in the country for any cross race as our retailers watch the emerging talent battle for a race contract with Raleigh for the coming season.”
The prize list for the Elite Men and Women’s races will be paid out equally:
Elite Men: 1st Place $1500; 2nd Place $500; 3rd Place $250
Elite Women: 1st Place $1500; 2nd Place $500; 3rd Place $250
Additionally, the top male and female Elite rider without contract are also eligible to win a full Raleigh cyclocross contract including 2 full bikes, a travel allowance, racing kit, as long as they race a prescribed set of races.
“If you are an emerging male or female cyclocross racer, put your road and mountain bike calendar on hold and consider attending this event. In addition to a full bike, cash, travel, and clothing contract, there is also the chance to win an additional $1,500 check for first place,” notes Terry Buchanan, co-founder of MFG Cyclocross.
In addition to the Elite Men & Women and Raleigh Retailer races, there will be amateur races starting at 2:00 pm for all ages and abilities including a singlespeed category with the Men and Women both racing for a winner-take-all prize pack including a Raleigh RX Carbon SS frame, $250 cash, and a travel allowance to also race for Raleigh for the coming season.
“Yes, we know July 21st is a Thursday but this is a new national cyclocross holiday; take the day off,” says Zac Daab, co-founder of MFG Cyclocross.
Festivities on this new cyclocross holiday will include a vendor expo, beer garden, food on-site, and course-side hydration by Nuun. Additionally, discounted lodging will be offered by Suncadia Resort.
A USA Cycling license is not required to race in any category. However, Elite Men and Women without contract must have USAC Cat 1 or 2 cyclocross license to be eligible for the”Top Elite Rider Without Contract Prize.”
For more information on Raleigh’s Midsummer Nights Cyclocross please visit www.mfgclocross.com.
