Dec. 10, 2005 (Providence, R.I.) “” USA Cycling crowned seven national champions on Friday as the 2005 Liberty Mutual U.S. National Cyclo-cross Championships kicked off in Providence, R.I. amid near-freezing temperatures, a steady stream of precipitation and traditional blustery December weather in the Northeast.

The three-day competition opened with several master categories and set the tone for the weekend as the nation’s top cyclo-cross pros get set to tackle the most prestigious race on the domestic “˜cross calendar.

Despite the wintry conditions, 1700 athletes registered to compete — a significant increase of last year’s 1100 competitors in Portland, Ore. Of those 1700 riders, 27 will be crowned national champions by Sunday afternoon and will be presented with a stars and stripes jersey by USA Cycling signifying their accomplishments.

*Race Note Typically an elemental characteristic of cyclo-cross racing, inclement weather caused the postponement of two categories originally scheduled for Friday. The master men’s 30-34 age category and the collegiate men’s division have been rescheduled for Saturday.

2005 Liberty Mutual U.S. National Cyclo-cross Championships
December 9-11, Providence, R.I.

Day One Event Winners
Men 35-39 — Shannon Skerritt (Vanilla Bicycles/Portland, Ore.)
Men 40-44 — Dale Knapp (Kona/Des Moines, Iowa)
Men 45-49 — Steve Tilford (Verge/Shimano/Topeka, Kan.)
Women 40-44 — Audrey Huffman (Mad River Riders/Waitsfield, Vt.)
Women 45-49 — Patti Kaufmann (Team Wisconsin/Milwaukee, Wis.)
Women 50-54 — Tove Shere (Team Ochsner/Sante Fe, N.M.)
Women 55-59 — Betty Jordan (Velo Bella/Walnut Creek, Calif.)

For complete results and more information, visit www.cyclocrossnationals.com.

Remaining Event Schedule

Saturday, December 10, 2005
8:30 a.m.: Junior women 10-12, 13-14, 15-16, 30 minutes
9:15 a.m.: Junior men 10-12, 13-14, 15-16, 30 minutes
10 a.m.: Junior women 17-18, U23 women, collegiate women, 40 minutes
11 a.m.: Master women 30-34, 35-39, 40 minutes
12 p.m.: U23 men, 50 minutes
1 p.m.: Course open, awards ceremonies
2 p.m.: Junior men 17-18, 40 minutes
3 p.m.: Elite men, 60 minutes

Sunday, December 11, 2005
8:30 a.m.: B women (non-championship event), 45 minutes
9:30 a.m.: B men Under 35 (non-championship event), 45 minutes
10:30 a.m.: B men 35+ (non-championship event), 45 minutes
11:30 a.m.: Master men 50-54, 55-59, 60+, 45 minutes
12:30 p.m.: Course open, awards ceremonies
1 p.m.: Pro/elite men Liberty Cup (non-championship event), 60 minutes
2 p.m.: Elite women, 40 minutes