Today, USA Cycling announced that the December 2020 U.S. Cyclocross Nationals are headed to DuPage County outside of Chicago. The event will take place on December 8-13 at the historic Cantigny Park.
The DuPage Convention and Visitors Bureau / DuPage Sports Commission are partnering with USA Cycling to host the event.
“We are honored that DuPage County’s beautiful Cantigny Park in Wheaton has been chosen to host the USA Cycling Cyclocross National Championships,” said Beth Marchetti, Executive Director of the DuPage Convention & Visitors Bureau. “DuPage has had the pleasure of hosting nationally recognized sports events for nearly 100 years. This announcement only bolsters this wonderful legacy, and on the heels of officially launching the DuPage Sports Commission today, it makes it even that much more exciting.”
Cantigny Park is the former estate of Colonel Robert R. McCormack, the longtime publisher of the Chicago Tribune. The 500-acre estate is home to the McCormack House and the “Big Red 1” First Division Museum with its iconic tank display. Cantigny Park is located in the west Chicago suburb of Wheaton, about a 40-minute drive from both O’Hare Airport and downtown Chicago.
The 2020 U.S. Cyclocross Nationals come to one of the most successful local cyclocross scenes in the U.S. in the Chicago Cross Cup. The 10-12 race series takes place every Sunday in the fall at venues in Chicago and across the greater Chicagoland area.
Cantigny Park is not typically a CCC race venue, but the region has also been awarded the 2019 Midwest Cyclocross Regionals, so we would not be surprised to see an event there this fall.
The Chicago area has hosted U.S. Cyclocross Nationals six times, including the first-ever championships in 1963, but it was not a USCF event.
“From developing racers and ’cross-focused clubs to hosting outstanding races, the Chicago area has shown itself to be one of the largest Cross communities in the U.S.,” said Chuck Hodge, USA Cycling’s Chief of Racing and Events. “We are honored to bring our Cyclocross National Championships to DuPage County; Cantigny Park will serve as a beautiful backdrop and the central location should attract riders from all over the country.”
