Fayetteville’s Advertising and Promotion Commission said it would accept another $1.4 million from the Walton Family Foundation to host a series of cyclocross events, the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette reported.
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The commission found it had a deficit following a switch in management contractors for the events.
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The grant money will cover the events and leave taxpayers off the hook, the paper reports.
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Why it matters: Cyclocross, which is typically a winter sport, broadens the allure of NWA for recreational tourists by leaning into one of cycling’s many niches.
Flashback: The foundation made a $2.3 million grant in 2019 for three cyclocross events.
Context: UCI World Championships for cyclocross are typically held in European countries and have only been in the U.S. once in 71 years: Louisville, Kentucky in 2013.
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The sport is a mix between racing, mountain biking and BMX-style riding.
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Depending on the weather, it can be sloppy and competitors often carry bikes for part of the course.
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