Organizers say they expect the 2008 Carousel Volkswagen Jingle Cross Rock cyclocross race Saturday and Sunday, November 29 and 30, at the Johnson County Fairgrounds will surpass all records for participation as the event continues to grow. Whether it's raining, snowing or the sun is shining, the event still goes on.

Cyclocross combines elements of mountain biking with cross-country running. Pre-registration for this year's event have already exceeded the record pre-registration numbers from 2007. There will be 27 races in two days for all levels of abilities, including beginners.

"This is our second year as a Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) event, the same governing body that oversees the Tour de France, Giro d'Italia, and the Vuelta Espana," said John Meehan, MD, event director.

"Most important, this is a fundraiser for University of Iowa Children's Hospital, the only international caliber race of its kind for charity.

"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.”

This year's list of superstar athletes will include last year's returning champion Todd Wells, who competed in the Olympics in Beijing on the U.S. team. Joining Todd will be Massachusetts native and reigning U.S. National Cyclocross Champion Tim Johnson.

"Wearing the Stars and Stripes jersey as the national champion has opened many doors, allowing me to travel to see new venues," Johnson said. "The Jingle Cross has the reputation as being one of the best run events in North America."

Other notable returnees will include Todd Wells' younger brother Troy Wells, a former under-23 U.S. National Champion; professional rider Andy Jacques-Maynes; and Laura Van Gilder, one of the top female cyclists in U.S. history. Other expected riders include five-time world mountain bike champion Steve Tilford and Bjorn Selander, a former top junior in the World Championship events.

UI 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.

UCI, based in Aigle, Switzerland, is the world governing body that oversees competitive cycling events.

For more information:

Jingle Cyclocross

University of Iowa Children's Hospital

Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI)