A SNEAK PREVIEW OF THE DERBY CITY CUP COURSE. IT’S LIKE BELGIUM, BUT IT’S LOUISVILLE
by Lesley McShane
October 21, 2007
The course for the Papa John’s Derby City Cup is ready to roll. The first stop on the United States Gran Prix circuit is 6 days away and counting. Bob Bobrow of Papa John’s Racing Team and his merry crew installed the finishing touches on the course at Champions Park Saturday morning. The course is a true Belgian affair complete with no less than 6 sand “pits,” two sets of earthen steps, and a run-up ride-down flyover.
The Champions Park venue is a defunct country club complete with a golf course. Since the closing of the club, the course has become overrun with cyclocross racers turning it’s landscape into the best cross course this side of Europe.
“The whole thing has been grass roots. The City has given us the opportunity to make something great here and I believe that we have,” Bobrow said.
The crowning jewel of both the course and the volunteer spirit is the “flyover.” Nicknamed the Green Monster,” we believe Mark Luking and his crew from the Louisville Bicycle Club / Team Louisville have the distinct honor of fashioning the first true flyover in US cross history. It truly has to be seen to be believed.
So, if you haven’t pre-registered, do it now. Pre-registration ends on Wednesday. If you haven’t made your travel plans, make them now. There are hotels available in both Louisville and Southern Indiana, which is right across the river from the course.
Finally, the local forecast calls for three days of rain early next week. But then comes a beautiful weekend for racing with highs in the mid-60s. Belgian-like mud and Kentucky sunshine, a perfect combination for cross racing. Y’all come.
For further information, check out USGP of Cyclocross
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