Newtown Cyclocross Races Through Second Company Horse Guard Grounds
The sixth annual Newtown Cyclocross kicked off the Connecticut Series of Cyclocross at the Second Company Governor's Horse Guard stables at Fairfield Hills on September 23.
The Connecticut Series of Cyclocross consists of seven races that will continue through December and are run by the Connecticut Cycling Advancement Program (CCAP), whose mission is to provide people access and exposure to cycling.
In Newtown, CCAP partnered with Team 26 for the first of its series of Cyclocross races — a sport that consists of both off-road and on-road cycling — and welcomed 259 participants of all experience levels from across the state. This year saw the most youth cyclists registered in the Newtown Cyclocross with a total of 90 children riding the 1.4 mile course.
“CCAP has done an amazing job of growing youth cycling. What we have in Connecticut is really special,” Team 26 founder and leader Monte Frank said.
Team 26, is a group of dedicated cyclists that advocate for gun reform laws in honor of the Sandy Hook Elementary School victims and all victims of gun violence.
“We had CCAP riders on our first ride down to Washington, D.C., and every year since,” Mr Frank explained. “Every year we’ve got two high school students from CCAP that come back... It’s a great partnership.”
CCAP Executive Director David Hoyle says the funds raised from the Newtown Cyclocross go toward CCAP’s initiatives, as well as to “support Team 26's mission to promote common sense gun safety legislation.”
Mr Hoyle hopes to host future Cyclocross races at the Second Company Governor's Horse Guard, which offers riders a variety of terrain including grass, dirt, gravel, and pavement, with small hills and slopes.
“They are a great partner,” Mr Hoyle said. “The venue is beautiful, and the racers thoroughly enjoy it there.”
For more information about the Connecticut Cycling Advancement Program or to register for the next Cyclocross race, visit cyclingadvancement.org. To view the results of the Newtown Cyclocross, go to velocityresults.com/results/784/newtown-cross-newtown-ct.