MABRA 'cross winds up a successful series

The MABRA 'cross series brings the curtain down on its most successful season ever with a double-header this weekend. The penultimate round of the 2006 series takes place in Leesburg, Virginia on Saturday, November 4, with the annual running of Club Squadra Coppi’s “Tacchino Ciclocross”. The following day, the series heads slightly north and west to the series’ fastest course, the Race Pace Cyclocross in Sykesville, Maryland.

Traditionally a race held near America’s Thanksgiving Holiday, Saturday’s Tacchino (that’s Italian for Turkey) Cyclocross will see some changes this year with its new location in Leesburg’s Ida Lee Park. According to lead promoter Judd Milne, it’s a change for the better, “The park staff are very supportive of our efforts, and I get the feeling when dealing with them and the town management that they would like to see this event become even more closely tied with the town.” Though other races have been held in the park in previous years, this will be the first time that a cyclo-cross event of this magnitude will be held in Ida Lee Park. The new venue also lends itself to a classic ‘cross course with great viewing of most of the track.

Sunday’s finale will be held at Freedom Park in Sykesville, Maryland. Known for its fast, sweeping turns and asphalt corridors between baseball and soccer fields, this year’s Race Pace Cyclocross will also feature two run-ups, including one next to the pits. More importantly, it will be the last chance for riders to score points toward this year’s MABRA 'cross season championship.