The Jingle Cross Cycling Festival with the UCI World Cup returns to Iowa City October 15-17, 2021, with three exciting days of cyclocross and two days of gravel. Organizers have added an all-new Jingle GX gravel race on Saturday, October 16, the day before the UCI World Cup, with a more leisure recreational craft beer and poker gravel ride on World Cup Sunday. The 100 km Jingle GX gravel race takes riders through the scenic Amish countryside and over beautiful rolling hills and Iowa farmland.
“We are thrilled to have Jingle Cross and the UCI World Cup back in Iowa City for 2021,” said Promoter and Race Director John Meehan.” We are especially excited to introduce our new Jingle GX gravel race as we welcome the world back to Mt. Krumpit and the best cyclocross course in North America. Our two days of gravel will allow gravel enthusiasts to enjoy two great events and then spend the weekend with us watching the best athletes in the world. We also have our three full days of amateur cyclocross racing which includes eight additional UCI pro races, and the incredibly exciting Junior Devo Cup to determine the best junior teams in North America.”
Along with cyclocross and gravel, Jingle Cross offers live music, DJs, cycling and fitness expo, local food vendors and plenty of activities for the entire family. Highlight activities include the Grinch’s Kids Race and the Doggy Cross for you and your furry friend. The World Cup Wine Walk and Oktoberfest will entertain the adults while Friday Night Lights changes to Fright Night Frights to celebrate the new October dates – costumes are encouraged. Packed with fun, Jingle Cross is a must-attend event for any cycling fan.
Away from the race-course, Iowa City provides everything from boutique stores to craft breweries, museums and farm-to-table restaurants. Also, the town prides itself on being bicycle-friendly with great riding and beautiful scenery.
Registration for the Jingle GX and other gravel events opens today at BikeReg.com and cyclocross registration opens on July 1, 2021. Visit jinglecross.com for event updates, information on Iowa City and travel accommodations.
Photo: Jeff Corcoran