Photo by Dave Gabrys http://www.cycleture.com/

The final weekend of Cyclocross Racing in Minnesota is upon us, and HUP United and Curt Goodrich Racing have plans that are sure to close out the season in style.

Saturday is the Minnesota State Cyclocross Championships, which traditionally boasts the largest fields of the year. After last year's epic conditions, it's a wait and see game for this year, with snow in the forecast. Whatever Mother Nature has in store for us, the crowds on the stairs promise to be as rowdy as ever.

2011 has seen several riders on the top step of the podium at the MCF Cyclocross events, so there doesn't seem to be a clear favorite for the Elite Men's title. The obvious contenders are the Crossniacs trio of CJ Faulkner, Josh Roeser, and Chris Fisher, along with Jesse Rients (Kuhl/Bicycle Fit Guru) and Clif Bar Devo's Jordan Cullen. Previous MN Cross Champions Doug Swanson (GrandStay) and Pat Lemieux (Specialized) should definitely be included among the riders to watch. Missing from the line-up will be last year's winner, Adam Bergman (Specialized), out due to injury.

No clear favorite for the Elite Women either. Contenders for that title include Linda Sone (CycleSmart.com), Bianca Bergman (Texas Roadhouse), Jeanne Fleck (Velo Duluth), and Terra James (Sweet and Salty Cycling). Jenna Rinehart (Specialized) will certainly be a factor if she chooses to partake.

Sunday's GP Zac Daab is the finale for the Lazer Sport Cyclocross Super Series. Event prizes include $1000 in cash and merchandise, to go with the $1400 in series cash series prizes and trophies, all to be awarded at the event.

All info for the weekend can be found on the flyer: http://www.mcf.net///misc/2011/Cyclocross/Flyer-MNStateCX2011.pdf or the website http://mncyclocross.com/info/