Watch: 2021 Gran Prix Cyclocross Beverly
One of New England’s most beloved cyclo-cross races returned from the dead on September 11 this year, now titled the GP Beverly. Or rather, the Goldberg Properties Gran Prix Cyclocross Beverly. But that’s kind of a mouthful, so we’re just calling it the GP GP CX Beverly for now.
The details of the race’s return are a little complicated. Until recently, there was a race called the Gran Prix of Beverly. However, that was a criterium. The new cyclocross race even took over the social accounts of the criterium with the same name, but of course it isn’t really the same race. Instead, it’s a continuation of a race that took place for twenty years on the North Shore: the GP Gloucester.
We lamented the loss of the GP Gloucester after its sudden cancelation in 2019, which was quickly accompanied by the news that there would be no 2020 edition. This was a huge loss to the Massachusetts cycling community – a well-organized race is one thing. The fact it had UCI ranking is another.
But that’s all in the past. Midway through 2021, the race’s otherwise dormant social media accounts made a surprise announcement that the race was to return.
And so it happened. The race was back, albeit shifted about 15 miles along the scenic coastline from scrappy Gloucester to aspirational Beverly, now taking place in the beautiful seaside Dane St beach park.
One immediate benefit from the move was that the race could take in the beach as part of its route, something the city of Gloucester had long ago forbidden. This made for a few sections through deep sand, including one short but difficult segment past the beer tent. Which maybe sucked for the riders, but was great for heckling.
A global pandemic, and a couple of years off didn’t really affect the turnout. The event drew big, big crowds. That’s something that’s not so apparent in a lot of our footage, which is mostly from pre-race setup. And we weren’t exactly wandering around filming spectators. We only film men in tight spandex riding around in circles, because we’re normal.
As usual, the course design was excellent. This has long been the forte of this event’s organizers. They can really drill the best out of a park, and seemingly find a way to use almost every inch of the area in doing so.
The race’s return did come with a slightly diminished stature compared to previous editions, and its schedule was kind of a sausage fest compared to events of old:
- Amateur Men
- Masters Men
- Elite Women
- Elite Men
But that’s the only downside. The city’s stores, restaurants, and hotels almost certainly saw a boom this weekend. And two days later, you’d never know there was a race there. They landscape after every event to ensure there’s no damage to the park.
Which, in an ideal world would be completely unrelated to the racing, but in this world, it’s necessary for an event like this to display a clear benefit for the community. None of that matters to you, because you’re not a local councilor or a NIMBY-type.
So, overall, a triumphant return. Here’s to next year.