Gran Prix of Gloucester

Spectator Information

What is the Gran Prix of Gloucester?
What is Cyclocross?
What is the Verge New England Championship Cyclocross Series?
The Venue: Stage Fort Park

What is the Gran Prix of Gloucester?

Take a dramatic harborfront park at the height of fall foliage season. Set up a twisting grass, dirt and asphalt racecourse with challenging obstacles. Unleash a crowd of world class cyclists to charge through the sharp curves and jump the barriers. Add screaming, cowbell ringing fans incited by a dynamic announcers. What do you have? One of the premier bicycle races in the country, right here in Gloucester.

The Gran Prix of Gloucester is two days of national calibre races where competitors from all over the US, Canada & Europe converge to race on the most beautiful race course in North America.

What is Cyclocross?

The most spectator-friendly form of bicycle racing, regardless of whether you've seen a bicycle race or not, cyclocross can be enjoyed by everyone.

Cyclocross (or just 'cross to the throngs that race week in and week out) is a relatively new discipline of cycling in the US. Though it's been around since the early 1900's in Europe, it wasn't until the 1970's that cyclocross races started sprouting up in the US.

Often called the "steeplechase of bicycle racing" cyclocross races are fast-paced and are dramatic for spectators. Riders compete on a twisting course comprised of grass, asphalt and dirt. At several parts of the course, riders are forced to dismount their bikes and run up steep terrain or jump over obstacles.

To learn more about cyclocross, check out our Cyclocross 101 featuring video clips from the 2003 race.

What is the Verge New England Championship Cyclocross Series?

The The Verge New England Cyclocross Series is a six-race series of internationally sanctioned events where competitors from all over the US & Canada compete for points

The Venue: Stage Fort Park

Overlooking historic Gloucester Harbor and bound on two sides by Cressey and Half Moon Beaches, Stage Fort Park offers picnic areas with barbecue pits, a full Visitor Information center, a playground for the kids, and plenty of parking!

For additonal information on Stage Fort Park, the Essex National Heritage Area website is an excellent resource.

 

Just what is 'cyclocross'?
Cyclocross 101

Getting to Gloucester; Accomodations; Local Bike Shops; Food & Attrations

Cape Ann Vacations
Visiting Gloucester

 

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