PROVIDENCE, R.I. (November 17, 2006) Cyclo-cross returns to the City of Providence in December when thousands of racers, fans, and spectators descend upon the Westin Providence and Roger Williams Park for a weekend of world-class bike racing.

What makes it world-class could be the roster of top-level racing talent arriving from points scattered about the country; or it could be the Westin Hotel and its touted "efficient service" (efficiency IS, after all, the language of cyclists); or it could be the city that is home to Johnson & Wales, RISD, and Brown, whose academic influences ripple throughout the city's remarkable restaurants, public art displays and even the Mayor's office. When the 2006 California Giant Berry Farms USA Cycling National Cyclo-cross Championships take place the weekend of December 15-17, you can bet that the experience will be nothing short of sensational.

"The City of Providence is thrilled to once again host the Cal Giant Cyclocross Nationals," said Providence Mayor David N. Cicilline. "Last year, the excitement of the sport won our city over with a tremendous weekend of competition for our legions of winter sports fans. We eagerly anticipate the return of world-class athletes and another festival of premium cyclocross."

Roger Williams Park will once again become the make-or-break battleground for national champions to defend or lose the Stars-and-Stripes jersey. Current national champions Todd Wells, his brother, Troy, Katie Compton, Dale Knapp, and Maureen Bruno-Roy (among others) will need to hold off attacks from opponents, some of whom may have an axe to grind following poor performances at last year's event. When the day is done, racers and their supporters, friends and fans can retire to the plush trappings of the Westin Providence.


Room with a view - the 8th floor pool at the Westin overlooks the Providence skyline
"We're trying to create the experience like you're arriving home," said Cullen McKain, sales manager at the Westin Providence. "We have a custom scent called 'White Tea' that helps guests to relax, restore and rejuvenate when they arrive through the front doors. For weary cyclists, we also have an indoor pool overlooking the city on the eighth floor plus there's a hot tub in the pool area overlooking the city skyline. Better yet, the Westin is the first hotel nationwide to become 100 percent smoke-free, which should ease cyclists' tension even more."

Rooms are still available at the Westin Providence at special rates exclusive to the 2006 Cal Giant Cross Nats. Information is available by visiting http://www.cyclocrossnationals.com/lodging.htm Be advised that rooms are selling out quickly. For general hotel information, visit: http://specialoffers.starwoodhotels.com/Westin_Providence/so.htm?IM=PP_LHN_SOP_US_WI_1049&

For things to see and do in Providence, visit: www.providenceri.com or the Providence Warwick Convention and Visitors Bureau at: http://www.pwcvb.com

About The Westin Providence:
Located in the center of one of New England's most historically significant cities, The Westin Providence offers much more than just a place to rest your head. Within walking distance of world-class shopping, theatre, major sporting events, historical sights, and an array of local attractions, The Westin Providence is itself a landmark of warm hospitality and luxurious accommodations.

About California Giant Berry Farms:
California Giant Berry Farms grows and ships over 14 million trays of berries annually. From its nurseries to state-of-the-art cooling facilities, the family-owned company controls every aspect of its strawberry production to ensure superior quality and supply to its customers. Based in Watsonville, California, California Giant produces strawberries, blueberries, blackberries and raspberries. The company's operation encompasses all aspects of growing, handling and shipping of fresh berries. The management and employees know the future depends on the actions of today and places concerns for the environment, food safety, excellent quality and service at the core of their business. For more information visit www.calgiant.com.

About Roger Williams Park:
Known as the 'Jewel of Providence,' the award-winning Roger Williams Park attracts more than 2 million visitors per year. Cited by the National Trust for Historic Preservation as one of America's premier urban parks, Roger Williams Park was designed by Horace Cleveland. Roger Williams Park is located just south of downtown Providence, the capital of Rhode Island.

About USA Cycling
Recognized by the U.S. Olympic Committee and the Union Cycliste Internationale, USA Cycling promotes American cycling through its 60,000 members and 2,500 annual events. USA Cycling associations include the BMX Association (BMX), National Off-Road Bicycle Association (mountain bike), U.S. Cycling Federation (road/track), the National Collegiate Cycling Association and the U.S. Professional Racing Organization (professional men's road). For more information visit www.usacycling.org or contact, USA Cycling Director of Marketing and Communications, Andy Lee at 719-866-4867.

About the New England Cyclo-cross Association:
The New England Cyclo-cross Association is the committee formed specifically to promote the 2006 California Giant Berry Farms USA Cycling National Cyclo-cross Championships. Headquartered in Lexington, Mass., the core members of this committee have experience promoting five national championships and dozens of national caliber events.