Rochester Cyclocross to Celebrate Start of 2019 ‘Cross Season in New York – Cyclocross Magazine

The domestic cyclocross season will start with a bang at the 2019 Rochester Cyclocross weekend in Upstate New York.

Now back for its 4th year at Genesse Valley Park, the weekend will provide the opportunity for amateurs and pros to start their cyclocross seasons on a challenging course at a world-class event on September 7 and 8.

“It is one of the big events of the year. A lot of people come, so the competition is always high and the crowds are always big,” last year’s two-time winner Maghalie Rochette said about the event.

Rochester takes place the weekend before the two U.S. World Cups, and the race will be one of 3 UCI C1s on the North American calendar in 2019. Top domestic riders and a number of international riders will be in Upstate New York for the first day of cyclocross school.

“The Rochester weekend has become such an important weekend for me and my season,” 2018 two-time winner Stephen Hyde explained. “It’s always the opener (for me) and a big test to see where I am and where everyone else is.”

“It’s early but never forgotten. The Crew at Full Moon Vista have really accomplished a lot over the years and seem to have really found their stride with the race. It’s always great to see them all and get a hug or high five at the race, it’s like the first day of school every year!”

Rochester Cyclocross will be the first day of school for amateurs and pros alike. 2018 Rochester Cyclocross. © Bruce Buckley

A Weekend of Racing, Fun

Amateur racing in Rochester takes place for categories of all ages and abilities on Saturday and Sunday. Riders will ride the same course as the pros both days, taking on the challenges of the elevation changes, run-ups, stairs and off-cambers at the picturesque park located on the banks of the Genesee River.

“What I like is that the course is very complete and challenges you on all levels,” Rochette explained. “It is physically and technically challenging, yet it is so much fun to ride. I always do many, many laps of that course. In part because it’s usually the first race of the year, so it feels good to ride a real cyclocross course, but also because I just like the course so much.”

Click here to register for the Rochester Cyclocross weekend

Hosted by the Full Moon Vista production company, the professional production will extend to the entire event. “Full Moon Vista’s production philosophy is holistic,” race director Scott Page said. “A good cyclocross event is not just about the course. It’s about the schedule, the production, the venue layout, the music, the vendors and the announcers calling the show. It’s the consistency and timing so that riders can count on the schedule.”

The events at Rochester Cyclocross extend across the weekend. The course will be open for pre-ride on Friday evening, and Rebecca Fahringer and Kerry Werner will be hosting a one-day clinic on Friday (more details to come).

The Rochester course will feature a variety of cyclocross challenges. 2018 Rochester Cyclocross. © Bruce Buckley

With the course located 3 miles from downtown Rochester, there will be plenty to do throughout the weekend.

Rohrbach Brewing Company is the event beer garden sponsor and a favorite of the event staff. Like any good cyclocross town, Rochester is home to a number of other breweries, including Swiftwater, Sager Beer Works, Fifth Frame and Nine Maidens.

Rochester has also a strong food scene for post-race dinners. Neno’s Gourmet Mexican will be on-site throughout the weekend, and a few race favorites include Swillburger and its popular burgers and arcade and John’s Tex Mex thanks to its great food and tequila.

For families making a trip of it, the Rochester Public Market and Memorial Art Gallery are near Genesee Valley Park, and the Strong National Museum of Play, Rochester Museum and Science Center and Seneca Park Zoo are a short drive (or bike ride!) away.

The Holiday Inn – Rochester Downtown is serving as the official race hotel. You can get more info about the race rate here.

Cheers will be in order at the 2019 Rochester Cyclocross weekend. 2018 Rochester Cyclocross. © Bruce Buckley

Rochester Cyclocross is a great way to kick off #crossishere with a weekend of racing and watching the best in North America and the world race on the course you just rode. Come join the cyclocross world in Upstate New York the weekend of September 6-8.