Time to shine in Verona

Badger Prairie Park hosts state, regional championships

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Top state and regional cyclocross racers could use this weekend to prepare for the national championships in January at Badger Prairie Park in Verona.

The site, 6720 Highway 151, will host the Wisconsin Cup championships, Saturday, Dec. 8, and the Badger Cross Midwest regional championships, Sunday, Dec. 9, according to the Wisconsin Cycling Association (WCA) website.

The 1.9-mile hilly racecourse has about 100 feet of elevation change, steep run-ups, fast road section, barriers, and other obstacles, according to Badgercross.com.

Matt Shriver, Madison, took the mens state championship last season, while Abby Strigel (Cyclocrossracing.com) Madison, won the womens race. Both races were held in Hales Corners in 2011.

In about a month, Badger Prairie will also host the USA Cycling national championships, Jan. 9 to 13.

Last season, Jeremy Powers (Rapha-Focus) and Katie Compton, then riding for Rabobank-Giant Off Road, rode away from their respective fields for easy wins.

Both Compton, who switched teams to Trek Cyclocross Collective, and Powers have had a very successful domestic cyclocross racing seasons in 2012. And, if both riders choose to defend their titles at Badger Prairie in January, each could be seen as the favorites.

If you go

WCA state championships, and Badger Cross regional championships

When, Dec. 8, 9

Where Badger Prairie Park , 6720 Highway 151, Verona

Time, 9 a.m. to 2:45 p.m. each day

Race flyer,

http://www.usacycling.org/events/getflyer.php?permit=2012-3999

Notes: WCA points will be scored in the state championship, according to the race flyer listed on the organizations' website.