Oregon Public Broadcasting

Bend’s tourism business got a much-needed boost Tuesday.

USA Cycling selected the city to host the Cyclo-cross national championships for the next two years.

Cyclo-cross is a growing off-road bicycling event.

Racers pedal through all sorts of terrain and obstacles. At times, they must run while carrying their bikes.

Doug LaPlaca is the president of Visit Bend, the city’s tourism board.

He says the event could generate $2 million for the region.

And he says the down economy won’t be a problem.

Doug LaPlaca: “The funny thing about cyclocross is that it has such a devout following that nothing is going to keep these people from coming to Bend. We’re anticipating that the participation at our event will be higher than national championships in years past. One, because cyclocross is growing so quickly. Also, because there is such a buzz about Bend in the cycling communities, that people want to be here.”

Traditionally, the event draws 2000 competitors -- and another 4000 visitors to a region.

LaPlaca says Bend’s city budget crisis won’t affect the championships.

Organizers pay for the event on their own, without any city funding. And, he says, any promotional costs come out of the city’s set tourism budget.