Brook Watts, the race promoter for the much anticipated Union Cycliste Internationale Cyclocross World Championships in Fayetteville, has stepped away from the event. Already increasingly recognized as a cycling destination in the U.S., Northwest Arkansas had been hoping to earn worldwide acclaim in the coming months. Fayetteville’s new Centennial Park on Millsap Mountain is slated to not only host the Cyclocross World Championships in 2022, but also a UCI World Cup event Oct. 13, 2021.
But in the wake of the Arkansas legislature passing a series of anti-transgender laws, several prominent members of the national cycling community have talked about boycotting the events, and there’s been a swirl of press surrounding the controversy.
“The situation in Arkansas remains problematic and unfortunately, I don’t see any satisfactory resolution,” Watts said in a statement announcing his departure. “I have sincerely, but unsuccessfully, attempted to work out my concerns and differences with constituents. However, regrettably, we were not successful.”
Watts is the founder of CrossVegas, an event that hosted the first UCI Cyclocross World Championships in the U.S. The Walton Family Foundation provided Experience Fayetteville, the city’s visitor’s bureau, with a $2.3 million grant to produce the world championships and other cyclocross events. The bureau in turn had a $320,000 contract with Watts’ Parkven Productions to manage the events.
“For those who know me, my passion and commitment to the growth of cyclocross in the U.S. has always been front and center,” Watts also said in his statement. “In departing from my position as race organizer, I feel I’ve left a mark by designing a unique World Championships-worthy course as well as a cyclocross park that will serve aspiring future champions. I remain dedicated to use my position of influence in the cyclocross community to fight for equity in racing, and to ensure that the sport is accepting and welcoming to all.”
Following Watts’ announcement, Experience Fayetteville released its own statement:
“Experience Fayetteville is 100% committed to making the 2021 World Cup Fayetteville and 2022 Cyclocross World Championships successful and inclusive events for all athletes and their families, as well as for teams and spectators.
“We are looking forward, and will announce a new race management team in the near future. We are excited to share our world-class cyclocross course and facilities with the global cycling community and to welcome all participants to our hospitable city.”
Meanwhile, the Fayetteville City Council on May 4 passed a resolution reaffirming the city’s commitment to protecting transgender citizens.