Iowa City, Iowa (September 23, 2006) -- The 3rd annual 2006 Carousel
Volkswagen Jingle Cross Rock is set for Saturday November 25th for Rock 1 and
Sunday November 26th for Rock 2. This two day cyclocross event in Iowa City, Iowa
will include 23 races with an epic payout of over $12,000 in cash and prizes.
All proceeds benefit the Children's Hospital
of Iowa.
"This is our 3rd year
for the Jingle Cross Rock and it has grown at an amazing rate," said race
director John Meehan. "Cyclocross has caught on at a feverish pitch in the
Midwest and more high profile events are
needed to help grow this incredibly spectator-friendly form of cycling."
In prior years, the highly successful Jingle Cross Rock race was held as a
single day event. The event was expanded
to two days in 2006 as a result of an overwhelming number of requests from the
racers.
Eleven races will be held
each day so riders will have plenty of opportunity to ride one day, both days,
or even multiple events in a given day. In an effort to promote women's
cyclocross, race officials have also announced a total of 6 women's races for
the two day event including beginners, masters, and elite women's fields.
Last year's 2005 Elite men's
race was a duel between Jason McCartney
(U.S., Discovery Channel)
and Steve Tilford (U.S., Verge-Shimano) with Tilford
slowly pulling away by the midway point of the race.
A new face at this year's
event will be Chris Horner (U.S., Davitamon-Lotto) who recently announced to
race officials that he will be traveling to Iowa for the 2006 Jingle Cross Rock.
"The addition of great riders like Chris
Horner will be a real treat for the cycling fans here in the Midwest. I hope this year's event helps foster an
unparalleled growth of cyclocross here in America's Heartland."
In the 2005 women's Elite race,
Linda Sone (U.S. Hollywood Racing)
took the win. This year, Sone will be challenged by returning 2004 champion Megan Elliott. Elliott will be
traveling all the way from Oregon
to try and reclaim her title.
Rider registration is now
open at BikeReg.com. More information can be found at the official 2006
Carousel Volkswagen Jingle Cross Rock website at www.JingleCrossRock.com <http://www.jinglecrossrock.com/
