International Cycling Event Brings Top Pros to Moreno Valley

Cyclocross bicycle races return for a second time this year to Moreno Valley, and the first time to feature internationally-sanctioned races for the nation’s top juniors and professional cyclists. MoVal CX will be held Nov. 18-19 at March Field Park. The event is free for spectators, and features an array of activities for every member of the family.

The weekend will feature 30 categorized events each day for cyclists of all levels, from children’s events for ages six to nine years to masters events for adults 55-65 years and older. Cyclocross races challenge competitors on a two-plus mile course that crosses grass, dirt, gravel, pavement, and a series of obstacles. Newcomers to the sport find it a combination of mountain biking, road cycling and steeplechase, as racers can dismount to cross obstacles. MOVal CX is one of two cyclocross events in California that is sanctioned by the Union Cyclste Internationale (UCI), the international governing body of cycling.

“MoVal CX is the only opportunity in southern California for amateur cyclists to ride on a UCI-sanctioned cyclocross course. We have been designing UCI-level features to challenge some of the best racers in North America at March Field Park. Our local racers will get a chance to earn USA Cycling rankings and upgrade points for all categories,” said race director Dorothy Wong, also a director of SoCalCross.

“The City of Moreno Valley is honored to sponsor this event and partner with SoCalCross. It is great to have the city and Moreno Valley Parks and Community Services spotlight the sport of cyclocross to benefit the local community,” Wong added. Moreno Valley hosted its first cyclocross races in January this year, also with SoCalCross.

The Elite Women’s and Men’s UCI Category 2 events both days are also sanctioned by USA Cycling and are part of the USA Cycling Professional Cyclocross Calendar (ProCX). MoVal CX offers stand-alone races for both Junior Men (17-18 years of age) and Under-23 Men. CXLA is also a premier event for the SoCalCross Prestige Series.

The event is free for all spectators and is held rain or shine. Family-oriented activities include Kiddie Cross (free), five laps on a short course for children six and under, and Doggie Cross ($5), dogs with owners on a short course to benefit Hope For Paws. Costumes are encouraged for pets in Doggie Cross. A vendor expo will be on site, with a beer garden and food trucks.

Advance registration fees for single races range from $5-$50; discounts apply for multiple races. Online registration can be found at www.bikereg.com/cxmoval17, and closes at Noon PT on Friday, Nov. 17. Races will be held on the ungated eastern perimeter of March Air Reserve Base at March Field Park.

Schedule of Events - SAT

10 a.m. Junior Girls and Boys races

11 a.m. - 1:45 p.m. Masters Men and Women/non-UCI(multiple categories)

2 p.m Single Speed and Collegiate races

2:45 p.m. Kiddie Cross and Doggie Cross

3 p.m. UCI Junior 17-18 Men

4 p.m. UCI U23 Men

5:15 p.m. UCI Elite Women

6:30 p.m. UCI Elite Men

Schedule of Events - SAT

8 a.m. Junior Girls and Boys races

8:45 - 11:30 a.m. Masters Men and Women/non-UCI (multiple categories)

11:35 a.m Single Speed and Collegiate races

12:30 p.m. Kiddie Cross and Doggie Cross

12:40 p.m. UCI Junior 17-18 Men

1:25 p.m. UCI U23 Men

2:45 p.m. UCI Elite Women

3:45 p.m. UCI Elite Men

Learn more about MoVal CX at SoCalCross.org. Follow the race on Facebook (SoCalCross) and on Twitter (@socalcross). Follow the ProCX events on Twitter @USACProCX.