The Virginia Beach Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB) announce the first annual Cyclo-Cross Winter Endurance Challenge to be held Saturday, January 17, 2009 and Sunday, January 18, 2009 at the Virginia Beach Sportsplex. The event will feature the Conte's Bike and Fitness - Red Mill Cyclo- Cross race, Final Kick 5K Cross Country Run and a Fat Tire Duathlon. Amino Vital will be this year's exclusive beverage provider.

"This is the first time the CVB has produced its own sporting event," said Buddy Wheeler, sports marketing coordinator for the Virginia Beach Convention and Visitors Bureau. "It's a new opportunity for us to expand off-season visitation. We are expecting to draw about 200 Cyclo-Cross participants from outside the area." The CVB Sports Marketing team was established in 1999 to expand the current sports marketing base by targeting sporting events and tournaments sanctioned by national sports organizations.

Cyclo-Cross is a form of bicycle racing typically held in fall or winter, and consists of many laps of a short 2 mile loop featuring a variety of terrain including sections where the rider may need to dismount and run while carrying the bike. This is a USA Cycling sanctioned event.

For more information or to register for the Virginia Beach Cyclo-Cross Winter Endurance Challenge, visit www.vbchallenge.kalerunning.com or call 1-800-822- 3224.