Issue link: https://www.epageflip.net/i/1390196
preserving urban greenspace and creating opportunities for everyone to get outside, be active and enjoy nature." According to USA Cycling, the governing body for cycling in the U.S., the sport is "a cross between road cycling, mountain biking and steeplechase." The contestants not only ride their bikes over the rough, twisting, often mud-soaked terrain of the short, closed course, they also face unrideable hills, stairs and steep embankments, forcing them to dismount, hoist bikes over shoulders, run, remount – "it's really wild to see them," Pack said. The races are held in all seasons and weather conditions – rain, shine, or snow – and the muddier, the merrier. "You get to play in the mud, have crowds cheering you on, and you push yourself to new limits," noted Tiffany Dixon. An avid cyclist – "I eat, sleep, breathe this stuff!"– Dixon is the team director, coach and cofounder of the nonprofit Breakaway Cycling Team covering all of bike-friendly NWA. For her new cyclo-cross initiative, ALL CROSS, she received Walton Family Foundation funding to grow the sport in the region. USA Cycling recognizes it as the fastest growing cycling discipline in North America, due in large part to populist appeal. "There's something for everyone, from epic spectator experience to every level of athlete. The environment is like a party in a party," Dixon said. Spectators, who typically dress in costume and express boisterous fanfare, can follow at close range. "It's wild, it's rowdy," Pack said. With cyclo-cross it's all about the course, and the new 1.75-mile, European- style course at Centennial Park at Millsap Mountain was a major draw for UCI decision makers to bring the World Cup and World Championships to Fayetteville. "I can confidently say there is no other cyclo-cross course like this in the United States, perhaps Photo by Brian Huntley " " This beautiful, state-of-the- art cycling activated park is for everyone – from the beginner to the advanced, the local resident to the international visitor. I can't think of a better place to help showcase Fayetteville's commitment to welcoming everyone, preserving urban greenspace and creating opportunities for everyone to get outside, be active and enjoy nature. Lioneld Jordan Fayetteville Mayor 17 Fayetteville Chamber of Commerce