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With a world class field of athletes scheduled to race and rain falling in Louisville this week, the excitement could not be greater for the first weekend of the US Gran Prix of Cyclocross presented by Crank Brothers – Papa John’s Derby City Cup presented by Toyota.  Wisconsin elite racers Tristan Schouten (Planet Bike), Brian Matter (PCW) and Bjorn Selander (Ridley) will be racing along with Illinois riders Chris Strout (World Bicycle Relief/Sram) and Scott McLaughlin (Sram).  They will be joined by Planet Bike's Dan Guilfoil (Planet Bike) and Bob Downs (Planet Bike).

There is tremendous amount of anticipation around the national series kicking off in Louisville this year. The local Louisville 'cross scene is booming, and the city has thrown its arms open wide to the USGP. Athletes from across the region are gearing up for the first UCI sanctioned 'cross race to ever take place in Kentucky.

“We have been completely blown away by the tremendous support and excitement shown by Papa John’s, the local cycling community and the Greater Louisville Sports Commission in kicking-off the USGP series in Kentucky. We can’t wait to bring some of the cyclocross athletes in the world to Louisville this weekend,” said Bruce Fina, Executive Director, US Gran Prix of Cyclocross.

With rain interspersed throughout the week, spectators and athletes alike should anticipate a soft and muddy course which will definitely favor the more technical riders and should make for an exiting & spectator-friendly weekend of ‘cross action.

The USGP Papa John’s Derby City Cup presented by Toyota will be held on a course set up at Champion’s Park. Designed by Fina and local 'cross guru Bob Bobrow, the course is comprised of fast straights, twisty turns, sand, several run-ups, a flyover, a fast finish and a challenging section dubbed the “Trail of Tears.”

This weekend’s USGP kick-off comes on the heels of the first UCI World rankings of the season. As anticipated, the series will feature the best ‘cross racers in North America who continue their assault on the world cyclocross stage.

The Elite men's races will feature two-time and defending USGP champion Ryan Trebon returning from a recent European swing to defend his title. Also lining up will be former USGP champ Barry Wicks - currently the top ranked US rider in the latest UCI ranking (ninth), Jeremy Powers, Jesse Anthony, Troy Wells and Tim Johnson. Joachim Parbo, the reigning Danish National Champion, will also race this weekend in Louisville.

In the Elite Women's field, the USGP will feature number one UCI ranked rider in the world and reigning World Championship Silver Medalist Katie Compton who has been riding well in the early part of the season. Defending USGP champion Lyne Bessette will be back to defend her title in a strong women's field which also includes perennial contenders Kerry Barnholt, newly crowned Canadian Champ Wendy Simms, Georgia Gould and Katerina Nash.

All of the best junior riders in the country will be in Louisville this weekend including: Luke Keough, Gavin Mannion, Andrew Barker, Alex Coelho, Jacob Rathe, Eric Emsky, Steve Fisher, Jeremy Ferguson, and locals Clayton Omer and Rob Bush.

The U23 category will feature defending USGP U23 champion Jamey Driscoll battling World Championship Junior Silver Medalist Danny Summerhill and a very strong field of espoirs including Adam McGrath, Bjorn Selander, Nick Weighall, and Chance Noble.

2007 Papa John’s Derby City Cup Schedule of Events:

Friday, October 26th 3:30 - 4:30 pm
The weekend kicks off with the Friday afternoon Clif Bar Kids' Cross Clinic with World Championship Silver Medalist Danny Summerhill, Team Clif Bar's Ben Turner and USGP Technical Director Geoff Proctor at the Race Venue - registration is free and limited to the first 30 kids ages 10-16 on BikeReg.com

Friday Night Number Presentation Ceremony:
Fans can get a head start on the weekend's fun by attending the Number Presentation Ceremony at the Kentucky Derby Museum at Churchill Downs. There, the top male and female athletes will be given their start numbers for the racing beginning on Saturday. (Kentucky Derby Museum, 704 Central Ave., Louisville, Kentucky 40208, 6:00 - 9:00 pm)

Saturday and Sunday – USGP Race #1 and #2

Come on down to Champions' Park on Saturday where spectators can watch the race action, shop the Expo for the latest in cycling gear, grab a slice (or two!) of Papa John's Pizza and a cold beer from Bluegrass Brewing Company. Racing begins at 8:30 and the Pros take to the course at 1:45pm.

8:30am – Cat 4 Men
9:15am – Cat 3 / 4 Women, Junior 10-16
10:00am – Cat 2/3 Men
11:15 am - Masters 45+ , Masters 55+, USGP Junior 17-18
12:15pm – USGP Masters 35+ (Cat 1-3)
1:45 pm – UCI Elite Women
3:00pm – UCI Elite Men/U23