Connecticut Cyclocross Weekend

Cyclocross racing returned to Connecticut this past weekend with two different races held at two different venues.

On Saturday Team Errace hosted the Veteran’s Memorial Cyclocross at Colt Park in Hartford. The event featured a spectacular course that swooped back and forth on the slopes of the park. Due to the previous week’s rain the mostly grass surface was wet, soft and slow. Most riders commented that the course was unrelenting with little opportunity to rest.

Sunday’s Newtown Cyclocross presented by the Connecticut Cycling Advancement Program was held on the campus of the defunct Fairfield Hills State Hospital in Newtown. Arguably the most interesting venue of the entire cross season the facility was formerly a mental health hospital that housed over 4,000 patients at its peak. Most of Sunday’s flat, fast course was set amongst the hospital’s once grand but now decaying buildings.

Despite perfect weather conditions participant turnout for both events was modest in compared to races earlier in this season. The next Connecticut events on the cyclocross calendar will be the Cheshire Cross on November 15th and Hop Brook Cyclocross on November 16.

Connecticut Outdoor Guide covered the Men’s Category 4/5, Juniors and Masters 40+ races on Saturday and the Men’s Category 3/4, Women and Open Men’s races on Sunday.

Click the folders below for photo galleries and additional information from each event.