2009 USA Cycling PRO Cross Country Mountain Bike Tour (ProXCT)

USA Cycling has announced a Pro-only tour, similar to the roadie side, to be held at several of the US Cup races (and some new ones):

USA Cycling announced today the creation of a new professional cross country mountain bike series designed to recognize the top off-road racers in America. The USA Cycling Pro Mountain Bike Cross Country Tour presented by Sho-Air (ProXCT) will consist of seven UCI-sanctioned events throughout the United States, providing world-class athletes with a consistent stage on which to ply their trade ... The series opens with the Fontana round of the U.S. Cup in California on March 29, then continues with the Sea Otter Classic in Monterey on April 19 ... The season then concludes with the USA Cycling ProXCT Finals in Las Vegas on September 26, one day after the conclusion of the industry’s annual gathering at the Interbike Expo ... Although the USA Cycling ProXCT will focus solely on professional cross country racing, plans to roll out a gravity-based tour are expected to be announced in the coming weeks.
 
2009 USA Cycling Pro Cross Country Mountain Bike Tour presented by Sho-Air International:
 
March 29: U.S. Cup – Fontana, Calif.
April 19: Sea Otter Classic – Monterey, Calif.
May 31: Bump N’ Grind – Birmingham, Ala.
June 13: Carmichael Training Systems Sand Creek International Classic – Colorado Springs, Colo.
August 8: U.S. Cup – Mount Snow, West Dover, Vt.
August 15: Yankee Clipper at Windham Mountain, Windham, N.Y.
September 26: USA Cycling Pro Cross Country Mountain Bike Tour Finals, Las Vegas, Nev.

Although a lot of people will complain about this, I think this is a good thing. The Pros should have their own series, for all the things like Olympic qualifying and UCI points. However, I am leery that people will drive hours to watch these - road races tends to be held near major cities.