Bear Mountain race returns to New York

The New York, USA-based Century Road Club Association has revived the Bear Mountain Fall Classic. This event, which was last won in the fall by John Lieswyn and Tina Pic in 2000, will cover the hilly terrain of Harriman State Park in New York on Sunday, September 11. This will be the same course as the spring Harriman race, which has been the site of national championships and Olympic trials.

This year the event is named the Nancy Morgenstern Memorial in honour of a local rider who was killed in the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks on New York City. The winner of the Elite Women's race will receive the Nancy Morgenstern Trophy. The event also features equal prize money for the winner of the Elite Men's and Women's races, as well as a separate field for Category 4 Women.

"We wanted to bring back this race both because it's really popular and also to add another tough event to the late season," said CRCA's Mike Green. "With our Mengoni Grand Prix on August 27, Chris Thater on the 28th, Vermont's Green Mountain Stage Race at the start of September and the Univest Grand Prix on September 17-18th, Elite riders can do a nice set of hard events in the Northeast US.

"We've greatly increased the prize money in the elite men and women's races, and are giving a $500 bonus if one of them wins both Mengoni and Bear Mountain," he added. Already confirmed to participate are Todd Herriott and Davide Frattini of the Colavita Sutter Home pro team.

More information is available at www.crca.net