Fayetteville cyclocross events get boost with foundation grant

Fayetteville's Advertising and Promotion Commission said it would accept another $1.4 million from the Walton Family Foundation to host a series of cyclocross events, the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette reported.

• The commission found it had a deficit following a switch in management contractors for the events.
• The grant money will cover the events and leave taxpayers off the hook, the paper reports.

Why it matters: Cyclocross, which is typically a winter sport, broadens the allure of NWA for recreational tourists by leaning into one of cycling's many niches.

Flashback: The foundation made a $2.3 million grant in 2019 for three cyclocross events.

• The first event was in October 2019; there were none in 2020.
• The next will be the 2021-2022 World Cup on Oct. 13, followed by the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) World Championship in January. Both will be at Centennial Park.

Context: UCI World Championships for cyclocross are typically held in European countries and have only been in the U.S. once in 71 years: Louisville, Kentucky in 2013.

• The sport is a mix between racing, mountain biking and BMX-style riding.
• Depending on the weather, it can be sloppy and competitors often carry bikes for part of the course.