Mark your calendars. Night-time cyclocross returns to the Red River Co-op Speedway on Sept. 15, 2012.
More details coming in due time.
Mark your calendars. Night-time cyclocross returns to the Red River Co-op Speedway on Sept. 15, 2012.
More details coming in due time.
DarkCross Cyclocross Event Smashes Previous
Manitoba Cycling Association Attendance Records
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Winnipeg, MB—September 26, 2011—On September 17, under the lights of the Red River Co-op Speedway in St Adolphe, MB, a large crowd of cyclists and spectators gathered to take part in the inaugural DarkCross Cyclocross Race, presented by Wallace + Wallace.
The event was enthusiastically embraced by the Manitoba cycling community. Organizing clubs Fort Garry Bike Club and Red River Racing reported a record-setting turnout of 175 racers in five different race categories.
“What a night! The buzz from the event continues, even days later,” reported Chris Huebner, DarkCross Race Director. “Despite the success of DarkCross, my head is already spinning with ideas to make DarkCross 2012 better.”
The cyclocross course, which featured a pair of stair run-ups, and surfaces consisting of grass, gravel, and dirt track, provided many opportunities for spectators to get into the action and cheer on the racers, creating a festival-like atmosphere for all. “It was like Disneyland,” exclaimed one racer, while another added, “the fans made me feel like a rock star running up the grandstand!”
“The aim of DarkCross was to come up with something that was far more than just a bike race. We wanted to throw a big cycling-themed party, featuring a beer garden and live band, “psychobilly” act, Farrell Bros. The wild cheering and focused racing combined to create an atmosphere similar to what is seen in cyclocross hotbeds like Portland,” stated Andrea Tetrault, race Co-organizer.
The racing itself served up of plenty of excitement as well. In both the top Mens and Womens races, spectators were treated to hotly contested battles between high-level racers that went right down to the line. Anna Schappert edged out Karlee Gendron at the finish line to win the Women’s 1/2/3 Race. The Men’s Cat 1/2 race featured an intense duel between youngest and oldest riders in the race, with 17 year old Chris Prendergast holding off seasoned veteran Don Sawatzky to take the win. Full results for all races are available at race website (darkcross.ca).
After hearing their event touted as ”the best cycling event in Manitoba in 20 years, maybe ever,” the organizing committee was quick to give credit to its sponsors and army of volunteers. DarkCross Director of Marketing, Kevin Kilbrei said, “An event like this does not happen without significant resources and energy. We are thankful for all our supporters.”
In addition to all the photos, there are plenty of race reports. Each of them reflects a different perspective–from racing to organizing to just being there having a good time. So to get a sense of the overall event, it’s best to read them all. We’ve made that task easier by collecting them all in one place:
Some people missed out on t-shirts. The good news is that we will be ordering some more. Let us know what you want by 5pm on Friday, Sept. 23.
Cost is $20.
Unisex shirts, S, M, L, XL and youth sizes (M&L) available.
Sorry if you missed out on the cowbells. But you’ll have to wait until next year for more of those to be available.
There were plenty of photographers out covering the race. If nothing else, DarkCross was well documented.
Here they all are in one place. Just one rule: give credit where credit is due. If you have anything to add, please send us an email with the link.
Photos:
Thanks to the generous support of our sponsors, we are able to offer the largest and deepest cash payouts ever for a cyclocross race in Manitoba. Racers in each of the top three races will compete for a $500 purse.
The Manitoba Egg Farmers are sponsoring the Womens Race. The Mens B race will be sponsored by Tetrem Management. And the Ellice & Wall Red River Co-op is the Mens A Race sponsor.
The top 10 finishers in each race will be prized as follows:
1st place – $100
2nd – $80
3rd – $70
4th – $60
5th – $50
6th – $40
7th – $35
8th – $30
9th – $20
10th – $15
The C Race and Open Race will be prized generously as well, with merchandise donated by many of our supporting sponsors.
And of course, all the kids who participate in the Kids Race will receive a prize as well.

Page 7 of the Sports section in the Free Press. Or read it online here.
Just one thing: No lights allowed on bikes or helmets. There will be enough light to go around.
Check the paper again on Friday for our ad in the Arts & Life section.
Darkness is coming. Spread the word.