GO Cross Creates Economic Impact in 2018
 
GO Cross is growing.
The international and professional cyclocross communities descended on Roanoke this fall with more than 1,200 riders for Virginia’s Blue Ridge GO Cross presented by Deschutes Brewery. Riders represented 28 states and four countries for two days of cyclocross racing.
The race, which is put on by the Roanoke Outside Foundation, is based on the same model as the Blue Ridge Marathon. This bike race attracts tourists but more importantly, it enhances the region’s national image, gives our community something big to be a part of, and shows people there is something special about the beauty and lifestyle of the Roanoke Region. (Did you know that the cyclocross course at Fallon Park where GO Cross is held is the only permanent course in Virginia?)
Events such as these have an economic impact that extends beyond registration fees. The estimated economic impact of GO Cross on the Roanoke market was approximately $203,982 in 2018, which will support 2.4 jobs across the metro economy, based on a survey of riders and analysis by the Roanoke Regional Partnership.Â
Here’s a breakdown:
GO Cross attracted 375 nonlocal participants who spent an average of 1.7 nights in market. The average travel party size was 2.2.
| Average Spending Per Day | |
|---|---|
| Lodging | $101.13 |
| Dining | $66.62 |
| Restaurant | $38.75 |
| Gasoline | $38.89 |
| Admission | $3.73 |
Overall, the 2018 event represented a 111 percent increase in nonlocal riders and 182 percent increase in overall impact due to increased participation, longer length of stay, and increased spending (particularly in lodging).