SENATOR ANDREW LANZA PRESENTS STATEN CX, NYC'S ONLY BICYCLE CYCLOCROSS RACE, TO BE HELD NOVEMBER 12, 2011 AT WOLFE'S POND PARK

Staten CX will combine thrilling races, fun activities for kids, local food vendors, and support for local charities 

Staten Island, NY: The 4th annual Staten CX, New York City’s only bicycle cyclocross race, is set to ride on Saturday, November 12, 2011 at Wolfe's Pond Park in Staten Island.  The first race will start at 9:00 a.m., with races continuing throughout the day.  This year's race is being held in conjunction with New York State Senator Andrew Lanza.  Senator Lanza has partnered with the race's promoters in order to bring a strong community focus to the event and to raise money for three of Staten Island's favorite not for profit groups: The Grace Foundation of New York, the JCC of Staten Island, and the Staten Island YMCA .  

Partnering with the race gives Senator Lanza the opportunity to mix his love of bicycles with an event that enriches the Staten Island community.  Profits from the race will be donated to the three Staten Island based charities.  The Grace Foundation works to improve the lives of individuals and families affected by Autism Spectrum Disorder.  The Staten Island JCC is dedicated to encouraging harmony throughout the community by providing facilities and programs that are open to all regardless of race, religion, creed, color national origin, sex, age, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or political affiliation.  With a focus on youth development, healthy living and social responsibility, the YMCA nurtures the potential of every youth and teen, improves Staten Island’s health and well-being and provides opportunities to give back and support neighbors.

“I am very excited that Staten CX, New York City’s only cyclocross race, will once again be passing through Staten Island,” said Senator Andrew Lanza. “I am delighted to sponsor this exciting and entertaining event which combines the speed of road bike races with the terrain of mountain bike events. Staten Islanders should bring a chair, browse the local vendors, and be prepared to be entertained as some of the best athletes in the Country compete with our local riders.” 

Cyclocross is similar to mountain biking, but the race features a short, technical course of variable terrain, that is fun for racers and spectators alike. The event will feature a race village full of local food vendors, local businesses, and bicycling brands.  Children's races will be held alongside the adults' races.  There will be events for cyclists of all ages and abilities,  including kids, amateur competitors, and professionals who will participate in a race winding around beautiful Wolfe's Pond Park in Staten Island. Set along the Atlantic Ocean, Wolfe's Pond Park is a gem of the Staten Island community.  The event, produced and promoted by Sparkify,and presented by Senator Andrew Lanza, is free to attend. 

“Unlike traditional road bicycle races in which the racers fly by only once and in an instant, this fast, colorful and unpredictable race is above all, fun for racers and spectators alike.  Riders of all abilities, from novices to veteran European professional riders, will have their skills tested on the short, challenging course, passing spectators every couple of minutes and chasing thrilling big money sprints,” said race director Christophe Jammet.  “We want Staten CX to be a showcase for both grassroots racing in Staten Island and NYC as a whole.”  

The inaugural Staten CX was such a novel idea that it picked up national press coverage including CNN, The New York Times The Staten Island Advance, Cyclocross Magazine, Velonews, NYVelocity, and Cycling Reporter. The race has also featured a host of great contributing sponsors, including NYU Hospital, NYC Velo, Wafels & Dinges, Stumptown Coffee Roasters, Honest Tea, and many others. The event has grown year over year and now features racers from around the country and the world.

Cyclists can register in advance to compete at www.bikereg.com.  Race day registration will be available onsite.  For further information, please visit www.statencx.wordpress.com or call Senator Lanza's office at 718-984-4073.

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