Sun Prairie Welcomes the Planet Bike Cup and the U.S. Gran Prix of Cyclocross to Angell Park (State Journal, ISTHMUS, USGP)

Local and national cyclocross enthusiasts say the Madison area is becoming a center for this arduous and wacky sport -- and the Planet Bike Cup at Sun Prairie's Angell Park Speedway, now in its seventh year, is drawing more amateur and professional cyclocross racers than ever.

New to the USGP in 2009, The Planet Bike Cup kicks off the Series in style on September 26th and 27th at one of the most popular venues of the Wisconsin Cycling Association Series: Angell Park Speedway in Sun Prairie, Wisconsin. Sun Prairie is located 15 miles from downtown Madison, Wisconsin. Cyclocross races have been held at Angell Park Speedway since 2003 and this year the venue will get the USGP treatment - the course is challenging and features terrain change, off-camber technical riding and some short sharp climbs. It's also a perfect venue for a good time

Last year for the first time the Sun Prairie race was sanctioned as a Union Cycliste Internationale-level racing event by that association, which oversees cycling events internationally, including the Tour de France. This year the race became part of United States Gran Prix -- a series of eight races where riders earn points that ultimately determine the best cyclocross riders in the United States.

Organizers say the number of cyclists in Sun Prairie could double from 300 last year to 600 this weekend.

Sun Prairie is proud to host this international event, and looks forward to a great race.

A special welcome to the many national and world class athletes competing here this weekend:

- Three-time world cyclocross champion Erwin Vervecken from Belgium

- Three-time U.S. cyclocross champion and world silver medalist Jonathan Page

- Swiss cyclocross champion Christian Heule

- Two-time U.S. cyclocross champion Tim Johnson

- Five-time U.S. cyclocross champion and world bronze medalist Katie Compton

- Three-time world mountain bike champion and Olympic gold medallist Alison Sydor of Canada

- World mountain bike champion and two-time Olympian Alison Dunlap

Click here for the full article in the Wisconsin State Journal.

Click here for the full article in ISTHMUS.

Click here for the Planet Bike Cup Information Page from the U.S. Gran Prix of Cyclocross.

Riders: Click here for information on places in Downtown Sun Prairie to stop, shop, dine, and get whatever else you might need.