US Nationals registration deadline approaching

The deadline to register for this year's USA Cycling Cyclo-cross National Championships is only a few days away and organizers remind competitors that registration for the event is online only.

Registration deadline for the Dec. 13-16 event at Kansas City's Wyandotte County Park is Saturday, Dec. 8 at midnight CST. To register, go to www.kccrossnationals.com. No on-site registrations are allowed and all entry fees are non-refundable and non-transferable. No exceptions will be made.

"We are closing in on last year's record turnout for nationals," said Race Director Bill Marshall of KLM Marketing Solutions. "With the price of airfare to and from Kansas City at a reasonable rate and plenty of hotel rooms still available, we hope racers who were undecided now decide to make the trip."

Riders who have previewed the course say it is a smooth, fast course where any type of rider can shine. At close to two miles a lap, it includes grass, tight technical turns, natural run-ups and a few sections that will really spread out the competition.

"I think the course flows pretty well," said four-time U.S. national cyclo-cross champion Steve Tilford. "Most people would think Kansas would be flat, but this course has more elevation gain than many races I've done."