The 8th Gran Prix of Gloucester is now in the books. Every year this event continues to grow and every year I am blown away by the dedication of our volunteers. I know I keep saying it but it bears repeating: without the dedication and hardwork of the volunteers, Gloucester would not be what it is today.
I am continually amazed at how hard our volunteers work. Thank you to all the old friends who came out as they have from year to year. Thanks also to the many new friends I met these past few days. ECV members including our race team members, employees and customers of our four sponsoring bike shops as well as area cycling fans manned the registration tables, pounded stakes, marshalled the crowds, parked the cars, made course repair and cleaned it all up afterward.
Finally, I need to thank the Staff:
Stu Thorne who is the best course designer in the US and possibly the world. Saturday's course was the best course I ever raced on. Stu's unique and create course design promted me to call him the "Christo of Cyclocross".
Jeff Gray our volunteer coordinator. When it looked as though we were going to put on this race with three volunteers and a hammer, Jeff rounded up the troops and formed a cohesive team.
Scott Bumpus who made the ECV Hospitality Tent into an oasis for volunteers and sponsors. He was as welcoming a host this past weekend as he is in his bike shop.
Joe Anthony who took the small patch of land we gave him and transformed it into the best kids race course. Racers and parents alike had a blast.
Alan Atwood who has done more than anyone to promote and foster cycling in New England, made herding cats (rider registration) into the most efficient process. Government could learn a thing or two from Alan.
Dan Tieger, my right hand man without whom this race would not have been possible.
My heartfelt thank yous,
Paul Boudreau
Race Director
Gran Prix of Gloucester
PS - The Volunteer raffle will take place early next week. We tracked all the volunteers and are assembling the raffle prizes. Stay tuned - we have a Redline frame and other goodies to give away....
