US Cup Announces 2011 Events
1/13/11 - On the top of the list for 2011, the US Cup is pleased to announce it has formed an official partnership with the SERC Series, operated by Dave and Terri Berger to run a 2011 US Cup East Series. The SERC/US Cup East Series as it will be titled will still offer riders the same great quality venues and events that Gone Riding Inc. is known for, but participants can also expect to see some extra US Cup branded items and awards brought to the series for 2011.
“We are pleased to have finalized our agreement with the SERC Series for 2011 and beyond. Gone Riding have been doing a great job since 1993, and we hope that with the additional US Cup support, riders and participants will walk away with a great experience.” elaborates US Cup Marketing Director Ty Kady.
“This partnership is great way for the “Cup” to give back to “East Coast” riders and still make financial and logistical sense for us at the same time. Riders can expect additional US Cup branded items such as awards, water bottles, national marketing and number plates, along with a 2011 SERC/US Cup East series branded champions jersey at the end of the year banquet awards.” continues Kady.
Additionally, the US Cup has awarded some stand-alone Triple Crown formatted events for 2011 on the East Coast as well. First up is the 22nd Annual Hoo-Ha held at Massanutten Resort in Virginia. The Hoo-Ha goes back to its long standing date to the first week in June, the 4th and 5th for 2011. With some of the best riding to be found in the Mid Atlantic, the Massanutten Resort is a rider and family paradise. The Hoo-Ha Triple Crown will once again feature a “Pro/Cat 1 class”, where top amateurs can line up against local heroes’ Jeremiah Bishop, Nick Waite and others to do battle for cash and prizes.
“Last year, Massanutten hosted the Triple Crown Series Finals. I was blown away with how good the riding trails, short track and resort layout were.” comments Ty Kady. “This year, although they won’t be a final in the Triple Crown Series, George Willetts and staff will still put on a first class, US Cup Triple Crown stand-alone event. We are excited to be working with them again.”!
The second stand-alone US Cup branded Triple Crown event has been awarded to Bear Creek Mountain Resort in Macungie, Pennsylvania. The event is slated for August 13th and 14th, and unlike the California based Triple Crown Series, the Bear Creek Triple Crown race format is looking to be open to both pro and amateur riders according to events director Gary Kline. More details to follow.
“The beauty of co-opting with these stand-alone events is that each venue gets to keep its current scheduling, age groups, classifications and spirit of the event intact. The Bear Creek resort has a great network of riding trails, as well as first class facilities and we are excited to enter our second year with Gary Kline and his staff.” continues US Cup marketing director Ty Kady
Back for its third year is the Kenda Cup West Series, a California based series for Amateur’s and Pro’s alike.
Also returning for its second year is the US Cup Triple Crown All Mountain Pro Series. Three disciplines per event, three rounds in the series, this year’s Triple Crown add’s two UCI XCO races as part of the race format to the Bonelli Park and Fontana events. This year’s Triple Crown Series final will stay on the left coast and had been awarded to the Santa Ynez Valley Classic, a venue no stranger to holding national caliber events in the past.
The US Cup will also offer select “Kenda Cup Qualifiers” across the nation for any rider wanting to qualify for the Specialized Invitational Finals set for October 2nd, 2011.
As of this release, official Kenda Cup Qualifiers include Clifton Forge, Virginia’s Middle Mountain Momma on May 1st. The Spring Thaw in Ashland Oregon on May 14th and the Test of Endurance in Blodgett, Oregon on June 19th. Look for more additional Kenda Cup Qualifiers throughout the season.
