Thebest of the best cyclo-cross racerswill now race Saturday after it was determined that Louisville's Eva Bandman cyclo-cross course could potentially flood Sunday from water levels in the Ohio River.
"The projections are by Sunday that Beargrass Creek will come over its banks and flood the lower part of the course," said Karl Schmidtt, executive director of Louisville Sports Commission.Officials with the international cycling governing body UCI decided early Friday morning along with the operating committee - U.S.A. Cycling and the Louisville Sports Commission - to move the elite men's and women's elite races up to Saturday, which should have minimal impact on event revenue, said Schmidtt.The financial impact is affected mostly by ticket sales and sponsorships, which have been determined for the most part, he said."You are to a degree at the mercy of the elements. When you do outdoor events you adjust and these are the adjustments," said Schmidtt.All Sunday tickets will be honored at Saturday's races, he said.All four races will be held on Saturday Feb. 2, starting with the Men Juniors at 9:45 am, Elite Women at 11 am, Men Under-23 at 12:30 pm and Elite Men at 2:30 pm Officials are also asking for volunteers to help take down the course tomorrow at 3:30 pm. Contact christine@louisville2013.com.River Road is scheduled to be open on Tuesday. Economic impact of this weeks events was $5 million.To see more on cyclo-cross in Louisville, click here.
