By Jenna Larson
Iowa City is prepared for any situation that may arise during this weekend’s World Cup cyclocross, whether that be riders staying with fellow cyclists or parking in an old airport runway.
Thursday through Saturday, Iowa City will host the World Cup Cyclocross at the Johnson County Fairgrounds. This event is one of nine World Cup cyclocross events held worldwide this season.
People from all over the country train for this event, said Bryan Wenzel, the manager of World of Bikes and a competitor in the event.
Wenzel said his store plans on having a tent at the race to help out the athletes. He also said they will store some of the cyclists’ bicycles during the weekend.
“Cyclists will ship their bikes in a box, and we assemble them,” he said. “If there are any issues during [the race], we will offer assistance, too.”
With so many cyclists coming from around the country, Wenzel said, participants can sometimes struggle to find a place to stay.
“A lot of [local] cyclists will open their houses to other participants,” he said.
Wenzel said he and his roommates will have cyclists from other universities staying at their home.
Hotels in Iowa City and Johnson County are full for the most part, said Lyndsey Kent, the director of sales for the Iowa City/Coralville Convention and Visitors Bureau.
“The hotel community is very excited for this weekend,” she said. “They are familiar with the Jingle Cross event from past years but are taking extra measure to ensure our international visitors feel welcome.”
Kent also said that most teams and cyclists participating in the event have their own storage for the bikes.
“Many teams have trailers that they bring with them and park at the event [and] at the hotel,” she said. “[The] bikes are often stored in these trailers.”
Wenzel said he plans on riding his bike to the race or taking the free shuttles that will be offered during the event.
As for parking, there will be paid parking and free parking spots available, said Shannon McMahon, the communications coordinator for the city of Iowa City.
“Limited on-site parking is available for $10 at the Johnson County Fairgrounds,” she said. “Free parking will be available [in] downtown Iowa City parking ramps with a free shuttle service.”
The free shuttle service will be available during the days of the cyclocross, McMahon said.
Shuttles will run from Tower Place, Capitol Street, and Dubuque Street parking ramps to the fairgrounds, she said.
Although the city is expecting many visitors this weekend, parking is not expected to fill up, said Josh Schamberger, the president of the Iowa City/Coralville Convention and Visitors Bureau.
“We have ample parking among downtown ramps and lots within or near the fairgrounds,” he said, noting the old south runway of the airport in Iowa City is reserved for additional parking.
