FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Media Contact: Elizabeth Dyer,
(757) 385-6646
Edyer@vbgov.com

 Inaugural Cyclocross Winter Endurance Challenge Virginia Beach Sportsplex January 17-18, 2009

(Virginia Beach, Va.) – The Virginia Beach Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB) announces the inaugural Virginia Beach Cyclocross Winter Endurance Challenge to be held Saturday, Jan. 17 and Sunday, Jan. 18 at the Virginia Beach Sportsplex. The event will feature the Conte’s Bike and Fitness - Red Mill Cyclocross race, Final Kick 5K Cross Country (XC) Run and the BikeBeat Fat Tire Duathlon. The race expo will be open both days with equipment and apparel vendors, hot food and beverages.

“This is the first time the CVB has produced its own sporting event,” said Buddy Wheeler, sports marketing coordinator for the Virginia Beach Convention and Visitors Bureau. “It’s a new opportunity for us to expand off-season visitation. We are expecting to draw about 200 Cyclocross participants from outside the area.” The CVB Sports Marketing team was established in 1999 to expand the current sports marketing base by targeting sporting events and tournaments sanctioned by national sports organizations.

Cyclocross is a form of bicycle racing typically held in fall or winter, and consists of many laps around a short 2 mile loop featuring a variety of terrain including sections where the rider will need to dismount and run while carrying the bike. This is a USA Cycling sanctioned event with race categories for first timers to pros and from juniors to masters athletes. Participants compete for a $3,000 prize purse.

For more information and course maps, or to register for the Virginia Beach Cyclocross Winter Endurance Challenge, visit www.vbchallenge.kalerunning.com or call 1-800-822-3224.