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Chicago Cross Cup Prize Payout for A/B Women

Some misunderstanding about the race payout at the Chicago Cross Cup recently occurred at the last race.  To clear up the misunderstanding someone form the race series contacted me and I said that I wanted to post the info on this website.  Here is the info:

The race flier for the Jackson Park Chicago Cross Cup race said $185 - 5 deep for payouts in the Women's A/B race.  Nothing else was said at registration or at the start so most of the women racing (including myself) assumed that would be the prize list.  The race flyer did say that the promoter reserved the right to change the prize list as do many flyers.

However, the race promoter wanted to clarify that the plan had changed on race prizes prior to race day but the flyer had not been updated.  The series has received a large number of merchandise prizes and they planned to use those in lieu of cash in some instances..  Although the race flyer did not get updated the series website does have the correct information. The official prize payouts are on the Chicago Cross Cup website for all the categories.  As you can see the payout structure as well as race categories differ from the WCA series which may also add to some confusion for those accustomed to racing in Wisconsin. 

As mentioned the Chicago Cross Cup received heavy sponsorship this year from the cycling industry. They elected to place those merchandise prizes into various categories and increase the cash amounts for other placements. For instance, the flyer says $185, but at all Women's A/B races in the Chicago Cross Cup the race promoters are paying $180 plus merchandise - 5 deep at a minimum. The biggest change is that third place in the Women's A/B receives a merchandise prize which is a baselayer shirt from Zensah and a women's hat and socks worth over $65. Depending on your point of view that could be a good thing or not.

The race promoters have noted that additional merchandise prizes are still being received from sponsors and they hope to pay prizes 6 or 7 deep in the women's A/B races next time.  In addition, at the next race the fastest A/B Woman will take home a Salsa frame.

I'm hoping that this information can clarify the prize structure for the Chicago Cross Cup series.  Obviously everyone has their own opinion as to what is the best and most equitable way to give out prizes.  However, one thing that I think we can all agree on is that it is always best if everyone understands ahead of time what they are racing to win.  I hope that this information from the Chicago series can clear that issue up for the A/B Women.

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