Bike Assault

Cyclocross answers the question, "What would happen if you asked those Tour de France cyclists to run up the side of that mountain instead of taking the road?" In other words, pure awesome on two wheels. Combining elements of mountain biking with bits of traditional street racing, cyclocross demands that its riders be proficient at cross-country racing (as in, off the pavement and on the grass) as well as the tactics of street racing in order to succeed, and it asks them to do it on a short course. Brutal, physical, high-octane and a visual spectacle, that's what cyclocross is. The Gateway Cross Cup returns today to Heman Park (7200 Olive Boulevard, University City; www.gatewaycrosscup.com), as cyclists blitz their way around a 1.7-kilometer course. Racing starts at noon for local and regional racers, while the elite women and the elite men's divisions race at 7:30 and 9:30 p.m. In addition to the cyclists killing themselves for your amusement, there will be live music, a bike expo with vendors selling goods, and food and drink for sale from some of U. City's best restaurants. Admission is free for spectators.
Wed., Sept. 26, 2012