NEW GLOUCESTER — The Verge New England Cyclo-Cross Series takes on the Downeast Cyclocross at Pineland Farms this weekend. As in years past, the Verge Series has brought out some of the strongest competition in the country in all types of conditions and on all styles of courses. Given the strength and depth of the fields through the first seven races, the Verge Series has to be considered the premier amateur and development series in the country.

Racing in the Verge Series will resume Saturday er at one of the true gems of New England cyclocross. This year’s edition is sure to be the best one yet. Following on the heels of last year’s successes, the courses will once again be defined by the unique terrain, offering challenging off-cambers, the fast dirt road through the woods and, of course, the pass through the barn.

Pineland Farms has  stepped up its involvement in the event, offering a free shuttle bus between the race venue and the farm market and deli near the entrance. They’ve stoked the market with all the staples of cross racing, from hearty sandwiches and local produce to the finest of American and imported craft beers and wine.

John Grenier, the head promoter of the event, is confident that this year will offer an even better race experience than ever. “Pineland Farms is excited for us to be back. We’re excited to offer one of the best courses in New England and to host a strong, international field in one of the most scenic and spectator-friendly venues anywhere,” Grenier said.

Registration for the Downeast Cyclocross Weekend closes Thursday at 11:45 p.m. and may be complete at www.bikereg.com. Follow the race on Twitter @DowneastCX for updates.

About the Verge New England Cyclo-Cross Series: The Verge New England Cyclo-Cross Series includes fifteen races in eight venues. The opening weekend is in Williston, Vermont on September 17th and 18th with the Green Mountain Cyclocross Weekend. The following Saturday, September 24th brings Nor’Easter Cross at the Nor’easter Festival in Burlington, Vermont. The Great Brewers Gran Prix of Gloucester comes next on the 1st and 2nd of October followed by the Providence Cyclocross Festival presented by Interbike on October 8th and 9th. Rounds 8 and 9 bring the series back to New Gloucester, Maine for the Downeast Cyclocross weekend on the 22nd and 23rd of October. The series hits the home stretch on November 5th and 6th in Northampton, Massachusetts for the Cycle-Smart International. After a two-week break, the series pays its annual visit to Sterling, Massachusetts for Tom Stevens’s Bay State Cyclocross on November 26th and 27th. The series finale comes the next weekend with the NBX Gran Prix of Cyclocross.