Ho, Ho, Ho, It's Jingle-Cross Race Time

From a news release:

WORLD-CLASS CYCLISTS TO APPEAR AT CAROUSEL VOLKSWAGEN ON NOV. 15 IN CONNECTION WITH JINGLE CROSS ROCK EVENT

IOWA CITY  -- Three world-class cyclists will appear at Carousel Volkswagen on Thursday, Nov. 15 in the lead-up to an international riding event sponsored by the auto dealer.

Three-time U.S. National Champion Tim Johnson, U.S. collegiate National Champion Teal Stetson-Lee, and seven-time British National Champion and world fourth-ranked cyclist Helen Wyman will appear at Carousel Volkswagen, 809 Highway 1, from 6:00 pm.-8:00 p.m., Thursday Nov. 15.

The "Meet the Pros" autograph-and-photo session is free of charge

"This is the first time we've been able to do a fun event like this because Jingle Cross Rock has been held over Thanksgiving weekend in previous years, and it just wasn't practical to have a Thursday event. Whether you're an avid cycling enthusiast, want to know more about the sport or just appreciate talented athletes, we're inviting everyone to come out and meet these athletes who are truly the best in their sport," said Pat Lind, manager of Carousel Volkswagen.

The Johnson County Fairgrounds will be the site of Jingle Cross Rock on Nov.  16-18, attracting elite international riders and bikers from many U.S. states and benefiting the University of Iowa Children's Hospital. The Carousel Volkswagen Jingle Cross Rock presented by Scheels will include 46 races for amateurs and professionals in an event billed as the largest of its kind in the western hemisphere.

Lind noted that last year's Jingle Cross Rock attracted riders from 31 states in addition to a number of professional riders who earn points through its sanctioning body, the Union Cycliste Internationale. Dr. John Meehan, a Seattle surgeon who is the event's executive director, said those points help the elite riders qualify for World Cup events and the Olympics.

Lind added, "We're proud to sponsor an event of this caliber that brings so much attention to Iowa City and does so much good for an important cause at the same time."

Rider registration and other information can be found at the race website, www.JingleCrossRock.com. For more information, contact Meehan at 206 947-7793 or email at john@jinglecrossrock.com.