Big Bike Weekend for Fayetteville!
Northwest Arkansas has recently gained much attention for the facilities and culture it has created to support the biking community. In addition to the many regional and even national races, rides, and events, Fayetteville was chosen as the location for the 2022 UCI Cyclo-Cross World Championships. This will be just the second time this event has been hosted in the U.S. in its 72 year history. The City of Fayetteville & Experience Fayetteville along with their partners have spent the last year designing, building, and perfecting the chosen site- Centennial Park on Millsap Mountain. The racecourse for this event features a 1.75 miles with stair obstacles, flyovers, and pits that the racers will have to navigate. The project was made possible by a grant from the Walton Family Foundation, NWA Trailblazers, CEI Engineering, and many others.
What is Cyclo-Cross?
Cyclo-cross is a mix of mountain biking, road cycling, and steeplechase. The races often showcase shorter tracks with obstacles and hills that riders will navigate along the way. In some cases, riders may have to dismount and carry their bikes to clear an obstacle, then remount and continue to the finish. This sport is not known for leisurely biking, but rather for the dirt or mud, rain or shine, race to the finish line.
The UCI Cyclo-Cross Championship will consist of 7 championship races over 3 days. Athletes from 30 plus countries along with their teams are traveling to Fayetteville, Arkansas to compete in this world-class event. The caliber of athletes ranges from Olympic gold medalists, to Tour De France stage winners, and up and coming stars. Out of an estimated 300 athletes, there will only be 6 rainbow jackets given out to world champions. This event is designed to be spectator-friendly with a festival-like atmosphere. The racecourse is enclosed, so spectators can view and enjoy the race without worry. If you are not able to make it to the event in person, you can tune in on the streaming platform GCN+.
RACE SCHEDULE
Thursday, January 27 (Downtown Fayetteville):
5:30 PM – Opening Ceremony
Friday, January 28 (Centennial Park):
9:00 AM – Gates Open
12:30 PM – Team Relay
Saturday, January 29 (Centennial Park):
9:00 AM – Gates Open
11:00 AM – UCI Women Junior Cyclo-cross World Championships
1:00 PM – UCI Men Under 23 Cyclo-cross World Championships
2:30 PM – UCI Women Elite Cyclo-cross World Championships
Sunday, January 30 (Centennial Park):
9:00 AM – Gates Open
11:00 AM – UCI Men Junior Cyclo-cross World Championships
1:00 PM – UCI Women Under 23 Cyclo-cross World Championships
2:30 PM – UCI Men Elite Cyclo-cross World Championships
All times listed are in Central Standard Time.
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