SRAM is returning for its sixth consecutive season of sponsorship of the US Gran Prix of Cyclocross (USGP). The USGP is the premiere CX series in the United States – delivering eight exciting races, at four locations, and featuring the nation’s top ‘cross talent.
It all begins on the weekend of 24-25 September, in Sun Prairie, Wisconsin, and concludes in Bend, Oregon on 10-11 December.
SRAM will sponsor the newly announced ‘Avid Shorty Ultimate Holeshot’, where speed and aggression off the start line will be rewarded. “A $250 check goes to the most explosive men’s and women’s pros that lead their respective fields into the first corner, emerge as race leader and thus ‘got the Holeshot’,” said SRAM’s Sponsorship Manager, Alex Wassmann.
Series Director Joan Hanscom added, “We are excited to have SRAM back, and we know the Avid Shorty Ultimate Holeshot will add a new level of excitement to the starts. It will definitely heat up the action into turn one and we’ll have our cameras trained on the spot to capture it all live for our online viewers.”
Sponsorship of the USGP dates back to 2006, when SRAM originally introduced its road gruppos, which now include SRAM RED, Black RED, SRAM Force, Rival and Apex. SRAM has rooted much of its road product development in cyclocross, where the challenging conditions can push the limits of componentry.
Additionally, the legendary SRAM NRS crew, who each travel 50,000 miles every year in SRAM logoed Volvo XC-70s, will provide neutral race support to any rider in need of technical assistance during each of the USGP events.
SRAM NRS partners include Zipp Wheels and the Service Course line of bars, stems & seatposts, as well as Specialized, with CruX frames & CX rubber.
2011 USGP Schedule
- The Planet Bike Cup: Sun Prairie, Wisconsin; September 24 & 25
- The New Belgium Cup: Fort Collins, Colorado; October 8 & 9
- The Derby City Cup: Louisville, Kentucky; November 12 & 13
- The Deschutes Brewery Cup: Bend, Oregon; December 10 & 11.
