Cyclo-cross riders from across the state will converge on Missoula this Sunday to compete in the sport’s state championships.

The event, sponsored by the Northern Rockies, takes place at Historic Fort Missoula and features both male and female riders competing in a variety of skill categories, from junior to elite.

“This is one of the fastest-growing events in Montana when it comes to cycling,” said Mike Beltz, the race promoter. “It’s a great race — a great event.”

Each race lasts one hour. Competitors run a short course, completing one lap roughly every six minutes.

“Because it’s on a short course, it’s spectator friendly,” Beltz added. “You get to see the racers come by every six minutes.”

Bryan DeFord of Helena will compete in the men’s master’s series, open to riders 40 years and older.

DeFord got hooked on the sport four years ago and has been riding ever since.

“A friend of mine had a cross bike,” said DeFord. “He was getting ready for cross season. I was tired of riding the mountain bike on trails and I had already put the road bike away for the season.”

DeFord said the intensity of the sport makes it attractive. The sport caters to riders of all ages and skills.

“A lot of times you go out for a road race, over a long course, and if you get dropped your race is over and it’s not much fun,” DeFord said. “On cross, you always have someone to race against. The athleticism is something I enjoy.”

DeFord trains at several courses around Helena, including Centennial Park and a short track near Cox Lake. Nearly 40 people competed at a recent cyclo-cross event in Helena, and as many as 60 riders follow the state circuit.

“It’s growing all over the nation,” DeFord said. “Now, there are just a lot of people who build their season around cross. A lot of older guys like it because you only race for an hour. Cross allows them to compete.”

Other riders from Helena competing Sunday include Frank Gonzalez, Scott Herzig and Jamul Hahn, the latter a former Montana State Cyclo-Cross Champion, according to Beltz.

“Fort Missoula has been the venue for a local series here in Missoula,” Beltz said. “We’ll have a course that will take six or seven minutes per lap and racers will ride 10 laps.”

The events kick off at 11 a.m. with the women’s top-category riders and men’s class B and junior riders.

The men’s elite races set off at noon. Each race lasts one hour and awards are given for the top three finishers in each event.

To find out more about the series, log on to www.montanacycling.net.

Reporter Martin Kidston:

mkidston@helenair.com or 447-4086