Blacksburg Cycling Classic History
Early Years
It all started in 1996. The Tour du Pont not only rolled through the quaint little town of Blacksburg, Virginia, but provided a spectacular finish right smack dab in the middle of the Virginia Tech mall. On top of that, America's most well-known cyclist nabbed the win. It was proof to all who cared to pay attention that Blacksburg was officially on the map, and officially one of the best cycling towns on the East Coast. To all the local cyclists that had been riding on these roads and competing in the local races, such as the Duckpond Criterium, it came as no surprise. For them, it didn't take the approval of the likes of George Hincapie, Lance Armstrong, Davis Phinney, and Bobby Julich, who each finished that exciting stage. They knew plenty well how incredible a town Blacksburg is. They knew just how suited to racing this little mountain hideaway could be.
Not long after the Tour du Pont ended, the local yokels wanted to call some more attention to their community, and organized the Mountain Magic Road Race. Covering most of the popular territory around Blacksburg, this race ended with a grueling seven mile climb up the front side of Mountain Lake. The race was a huge success, and has become the stuff of legend throughout Southwest Virginia.
Very soon, Blacksburg's population exploded, and there were competitive endurance events seemingly every time one turned around. There were cycling races, triathlons, running races. The active community in town couldn't have been stronger, and the town couldn't have been happier. Every time a race was run, more people saw the mountain beauty of Blacksburg, ate at its uncrowded, wallet-friendly restaurants, took note of its friendly and enthusiastic populace, and enjoyed its clean, unpolluted air.
However, as per the laws of nature, not to mention Murphy, all good things must come to an end - at least for a little while. After a tragic accident during an event, the Town of Blacksburg became suddenly very hesitant to allow the chance of another incident. Thus, even more quickly than it rose to glory, Blacksburg and its bike-racing heritage slipped quietly into the past, existing only in the memories of those that loved it, and those that worked so hard to create it.
2008
Much in the way a forest fire can die, only to be resurrected days later by a small ember, a group of racers began working relentlessly to bring bike racing back to Blacksburg. The former Team East Coasters was reborn as Rogues Racing and had the desire and motivation to bring bike racing back to Blacksburg. Though a difficult task, the tireless team again won over the hearts of the town officials, and successfully scheduled a race. The team's first event was the final race of the three day July 4th weekend Independence Day "ID3" Races. In conjunction with the Roanoke Cycling Organization and the Commonwealth Games of Virginia the race was held on a beautiful Sunday on the roads of the Virginia Tech Corporate Research Center. The race was a great success and once again showed how the area could host an excellent race.
2009
After the success of the 2008 race, Rogues Racing was determined to continue with more races in following years. The team had grown, and gained valuable experience from hosting it's first race. It was decided that in 2009 to go bigger and better and host a two day, three event omnium on the weekend of June 20 and 21. The long-awaited return of a racing weekend to one of the most bike-friendly communities on the East Coast was set. The courses included the same CRC Criterium that had rave reviews in 2008, the rolling Mudpike Time Trial in nearby Christiansburg, and the Maggie Valley Road Race through one of the most scenic areas in the region and highlighted by a leg breaking finishing climb up John's Creek Mountain.
The plans were set, the sponsors secured, the permits signed, everything was ready to go, but it was not to be. Due to a combination of unfortunate scheduling conflicts, Blacksburg's somewhat remote location, and other factors, the insufficient participation caused the race weekend to be cancelled. A lesson was learned that race promotion is hard and requires more than the promoters desire and great race courses. It was decided that rather than a quick reschedule to a more open weekend later in the season to just postpone the omnium to 2010. It was a disappointment but the team did gain valuable race preparation experience and ideas on how to move forward in 2010.
2010
The 2009 cancellation was disappointing to all involved but the team moved forward with 2010 plans. Early coordination with other state and regional race promoters secured the Blacksburg Cycling Classic with a prime weekend with minimal conflicts. The teams excitement was only held back by a brief time where the future of Rogues Racing was uncertain. The team size had shrunk and it was unclear if a full race weekend was too ambitious for a small crew. However, the team began recruiting and soon grew to a healthy number of riders. Excitement for the Classic was stronger than ever.
The 2010 edition of the Blacksburg Cycling Classic used the same amazing courses the 2009 edition was to use. The courses had already proven worthy of fine racing. On the weekend of April 17 and 18, 2010, the Virginia Tech Cycling Team hosted the ACCC championships using similar criterium and road race courses.
The race was a huge success! Attendance was amazing (thanks!) and the whole team and local community enjoyed the races. The road race provided a challenge to even the toughest of competitors due to the great competition, wonderful courses, summer heat, and a hard mountain finish.
2011
Once again Rogues Racing is back to bring you some of the finest regional racing! This year we have some course changes in store to spice things up.
Rogues Racing looks forward to continue hosting the Blacksburg Cycling Classic and keeping the southwest Virginia bike racing spirit alive.
If you've been hoping for something a little different, something a little more exciting, and something with a little more history and passion, putting the Blacksburg Classic weekend on your calendar will undoubtedly refresh your spirit, while at the same time provide a stiff challenge to your cycling skill and ability. It's a race weekend not to be missed. And with a range of categories to suit every rider, there's really no excuse not to be there.
