March 27/05 3:44 am - Morgan Hill Grand Prix Adds Fat Boy Crit

Posted by Editoress on 03/27/05
 

Specialized Morgan Hill Grand Prix Adds Fat Boy Crit
Courtesy Specialized Bicycles

World Class Pro Mountain Bikers Will Enter Morgan Hill Grand Prix

Specialized Bicycles will bring Liam Killeen and Sid Taberlay, the British and Australian national mountain bike champions, to compete at the Specialized Morgan Hill Grand Prix, Sunday April 10, for a day's racing that is expected to attract over 1,000 spectators for events studded with top national and international racing cyclists. Amateur races are also scheduled.

In a move to accommodate requests from pro-mountain bikers looking for a pre-Sea Otter Classic leg-sharpener, this week organizers extended the race categories to include the Morgan Hill Fat Boy Crit, a "criterium" competition for the mountain bike specialist. The criterium is a hot-paced competition, with cyclists frequently sprinting away from the field in an effort to "steal a lap" on the short course. It all takes place on a winding circuit in downtown Morgan Hill, which incorporates nine turns and a savage climb into a course of just over one mile.

Entry rules for the Fat Boy Crit mandate that the bicycle must look like a mountain bike. There must be a suspension front fork, flat handlebars without bar ends, and tire width must be a minimum of 1.25 inches. Riders with NORBA Pro, Semi-Pro, and Expert licenses are invited to enter, along with UCSF CAT 1 and 2 license-holders. Men, women, and juniors in these categories will race together.

In preparation for the race, Webcor Builders, who sponsor one of the nation's strongest cycling teams, have recently completed resurfacing work on the Webcor Bridge, which creates a fast, smooth surface for cyclists in the day's competitions-and leaves a beneficial legacy for Morgan Hill residents.

Already entered in the Fat Boy Crit are internationals Liam Killeen, the British Champion, who is ranked no.7 in the world, and the Australian Champion Sid Taberlay. Sara Bresnick-Zocchi, of the Ford Cycling Team, and the women's Victory Brewing Team are also expected to compete.

Who: 300-500 Pro and Amateur Road and Mountain Bike Cyclists
What: Morgan Hill Grand Prix
When: April 10, 2005 - 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Where: Downtown Morgan Hill, CA
Information: Event Hotline (650) 302-6310 or www.morganhillgrandprix.com