Collegiate Road Nationals set for this weekend

Everything is in place for the 2005 USA NCCA Collegiate Road Cycling National Championships to get under way this weekend. Over 350 college students from 70 collegiate cycling teams around the country are making their way to Lawrence, Kansas, U.S. to race for bragging rights in Division I and Division II competition from May 13-15.

The University of California at Berkeley is hoping to take the overall Division I title for a fourth year in a row, while Dartmouth College will fight to defend its Division II title. Racing begins Friday morning with the Sunflower Outdoor and Bike Criteriums. Held in downtown Lawrence, this spectator-friendly event features an L-shaped course with six turns. With the exception of a slight rise in the start/finish area, the course is relatively flat which will make for some very fast racing.

Saturday’s Rudy Project Road Race will take place on a difficult course and riders will have to face some strong Kansas winds. The 28.2 mile loop has rolling and steep hills with a climb just before the sprint finish.

Finally, the teams will test their skills in a fast team time trial on Sunday. The course is flat until a slight rise at the first turn-around. It will flatten out again until the final turn where teams will once again face a slight uphill right before the long downhill finish. Individual and team titles will be awarded following the time trials.

The University of Kansas Cycling Club and KLM Marketing Solutions are hosting this year’s National Championships. For further event details, visit www.kuroadnationals.com