NORTHAMPTON, MA, October 30, 2026 – US Cyclocross season ramps up with America’s oldest international event, featuring US National and Pan American Champions.

The Cycle-Smart Northampton Cyclocross presented by ShiftGear returns to Look Park for its 35th year, on October 31st and November 1st, marking the 51st and 52nd editions of the event. Mild fall weather and abundant sunshine is predicted, which will make for an enjoyable day on the classic, fast track that encourages dynamic group racing and sprint finishes.

The men’s elite race looks to be an intra-team battle of Competitive Edge riders, as US National Champion Eric Brunner makes his UCI debut, facing teammate and Continental Champion Andrew Strohmeyer for the first time this season. Two-time Northampton winner Dylan Zakrajsek will aim to make it a hat trick, while Aidan Vollmuth (Donovan Racing), Luke Walter (CXD Trek Bikes), Xander Scopinich-Burgel (JAM Fund/NCC), and Ryan Drummond (Competitive Edge Racing) are among the U23s hoping to break through and on to the podium. Seven of the top 11 ranked riders in the men’s race are U23s.

The women’s elite field is headlined by US National and Pan American Champion and 2025 Day 2 Northampton winner Lizzy Gunsalus (VIA LLP p/b Van Rysel), as she leads into her Continental title defense next week in Washington, DC. She’ll be challenged by Portland, Oregon’s Brenna Wrye-Simpson (Team S&M CX), and two-time Northampton winner and hometown hero Ellen Noble (JAM Fund/NCC). Look for U23s Dani Bronk (GMCX) and Bridget Wilson (Colorado Mesa University) to fight for the podium as well.

In the UCI Junior fields, local rider Rowan Harrison (More Than Racing p/b JAM Fund) is the top seed for the men’s race, while Lilli O’Donnell (Competitive Edge Racing) looks to get her first win after a run of second places at Charm City and Kings so far this season.

Turnouts for the amateur categories look strong once again, with 120 riders in the 40+/55+ master men’s field benchmarking the largest races of the weekend.

Full information is available at https://www.nohocx.com/.