The 2021 Zia Taqueria Four Corners Cyclocross Series will return on Oct. 30 to challenge bikers with steep hills, awkward turns, sand, stairs and other difficult terrain.
“What we are looking for is a variety of challenging terrain that will test riders,” said the event’s director, Dave Hagen, adding that the hope is to force them run with their bikes a bit.
The series will feature five races, beginning Oct. 30 at Joe Rowell Park in Dolores.
On Nov. 6, the series will travel to Cortez’s Paque de Vida.
On Nov. 13, the third race will be held at Durango Mesa.
Then on Nov. 20 and 21, the final two races will be held at Fort Lewis College’s Ray Denison Memorial Field.
Hagen said the courses are about 2 miles long, with each lap taking six to seven minutes to complete.
“We take the leader’s time on the first couple laps to determine how many laps they’ll need to do to get close to 50 minutes,” Hagen said, adding that they would rather go a little long then short.
On race day, check-in will open at 9:30 a.m., and races will take place at 11 a.m. and noon.
Race day registration, however, won’t be available so competitors will need to register by midnight the Friday before a race.
Online registration is available at https://bit.ly/30M7waJ
Todd Wells with Sinberg Capital Lending has also stepped up this year to support free race entries for all junior racers, including the new U14 two-lap races.
Other sponsors include Woodchuck Tree Service, RGP’s, Crazy dog Window Washing and Durango Real Estate Ventures while other local businesses are sponsoring the end-of-series awards.
Points will be tallied from all the races for the final placements.
Hagen said most of the big names in Durango cycling have won the series at one time or another.
“(Cyclocross) is a great sport to push riders to their limits in what we hope aren’t the best conditions, as much of a mental sport to deal with the suffering, conditions and a sketchy bike,” Hagen said, noting that mountain bikes are also allowed. “It is also great for spectators as their is a lot of different action all over a walkable, from point to point, course.”
