US National Collegiate Championships - NE

USA, May 13-15, 2005

2004 results Stage List Preview

The Stages

Stage 1 - May 13: Criterium
Stage 2 - May 14: Road Race
Stage 3 - May 15: Team Time Trial

Perfect mix of fun and competition in Kansas

Over 350 college students from 70 collegiate cycling teams around the country are making their way to Lawrence, Kan. to race for bragging rights in Division I and Division II competition May 13-15. The University of California at Berkley is hoping to take the overall Division I title for a fourth year in a row, while Dartmouth College will fight to defend its Division II title.

Racing begins Friday morning with the Sunflower Outdoor and Bike Criteriums. Held in downtown Lawrence, this spectator-friendly event features an L-shaped course with six turns. With the exception of a slight rise in the start/finish area, the course is relatively flat which will make for some very fast racing.

Saturday's Rudy Project Road Race will take place on a difficult course and riders will have to face some strong Kansas winds. The 28.2 mile loop has rolling and steep hills with a climb just before the sprint finish.

Teams will test their skills in a fast team time trial on Sunday. The course is flat until a slight rise at the first turn-around. It will flatten out again until the final turn where teams will once again face a slight uphill right before the long downhill finish. Individual and team titles will be awarded following the time trials.

USA Cycling is excited about the location of this year's National Championships. "Lawrence is an ideal location for this race not only because of its proximity to so many riders, but because of its unique college-town character," explained USA Cycling CEO Gerard Bisceglia. "Annually, the collegiate national championships feature a great atmosphere with the right mix of fun and competitive racing. Each year, the event becomes bigger and better as more collegiate programmes come on board."

The University of Kansas Cycling Club and KLM Marketing Solutions are hosting this year's National Championships.