Cyclocross National Championships being held in Lakewood this week

More than 2,000 bicyclists will descend on Fort Steilacoom Park in Lakewood this week for the 2019 Cyclocross National Championships.

Cyclocross is a race featuring various terrain, including pavement and dirt tracks, where cyclists can be required to dismount and carry their bikes around or over obstacles.

The event begins Tuesday and runs through Sunday and includes beer gardens, food trucks and vendors. Admission is $20 per person (which is good for the entire week) and includes parking.

Pro and amateur riders from across the nation will participate in 37 events.

Among them is 30-year-old Stephanie Taplin of Tacoma, who is described as “a rising talent who has been on the podium four times this season,” according to a news release.

The course opens daily at 8 a.m. with racing and awards generally finished by 4:30 p.m.

This story was originally published December 10, 2019 at 1:00 PM.