Organizers say they expect the 2007 Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) Carousel Volkswagen Jingle Cross Rock cyclocross race November 24 and 25 in Iowa City to surpass all records for participation as the event continues to grow.

Cyclocross combines elements of mountain biking with cross-country running. Pre-registrations for this year's event have already exceeded the record pre-registration numbers from 2006.

There will be 27 races in two days for all levels of abilities, including beginners. The Elite races feature U.S. ProTour riders Chris Horner from the Tour de France and Jason McCartney (Discovery Channel, U.S. Olympic Team), as well as the 2005 U.S. National Elite champion Todd Wells.

"This is our first year as a UCI event, the same governing body that oversees the Tour de France, Giro d'Italia, and the Vuelta Espana," said John Meehan, MD, UI Children’s Hospital pediatric surgeon and event director. "Most importantly, this is a fundraiser for University of Iowa Children's Hospital, the only international caliber race of its kind for charity."

The event takes place at the Johnson County Fairgrounds. Whether it's raining, snowing or the sun is shining, the event still goes on.

"I would love it if people would come out to try riding. If you can ride a bike for 30 minutes, you can do this event. You don't have to race it, just ride it. If people don't want to ride, then please come out and be a spectator," Meehan said.

"It's funny how people will do a 5K fun run without thinking twice about it," Meehan said. "But when you say 'bike racing,' people seem reluctant to try it. Just ride it for fun at your own pace. It's by time, not distance, so beginners are done after 30 minutes no matter what. If you can ride a bike for 30 minutes, you can do this event."

"Cyclocross is the ideal spectator sport," Meehan added. "Fans and spectators can be inches away from the professional riders as they wind back through the twisty course. Unlike a road race such as the Tour de France, the racers pass the spectators dozens of times as they complete lap after lap."

University of Iowa Children's Hospital serves children and their families at its main campus in Iowa City and satellite clinics in communities throughout the region. A 180-bed "hospital within a hospital," UI Children's Hospital benefits from the sophisticated services and comprehensive resources of University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics. Child magazine ranks UI Children's Hospital among the top 20 children's hospitals in the nation.

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UI Children’s Hospital

UI Children's Hospital among the top 20 children's hospitals