Gallery: Holy Week of Cyclocross in pictures

The Gran Prix of Gloucester brings the first true cyclocross conditions of the season. Photo: BrakeThrough Media

A little 'down south' in the Down East can be found among the spectators. Photo: BrakeThrough Media

The largest field of competition races uphill with a dramatic backdrop setting the stage in Gloucester. Photo: BrakeThrough Media

The Gran Prix of Gloucester brings out a classic cyclocross aesthetic! Photo: BrakeThrough Media

The Gran Prix of Gloucester not only brings competitive racing, but a hard to beat food scene as well. Photo: BrakeThrough Media

Loads of caked-on mud and grass mean long lines at the bike wash. Here, a Cat. 3 racer gets the job done. Photo: BrakeThrough Media

The scene at the first set of stairs is packed with rowdy spectators waiting for the race leaders. Photo: BrakeThrough Media

Getting paid, any way they can. Photo: BrakeThrough Media

New Englanders bring the party to the Gran Prix of Gloucester. Photo: BrakeThrough Media

A familiar face in New England, Chris Zigmont announces both Gloucester and Providence. Photo: BrakeThrough Media

Helen Wyman partakes in a New England tradition after her Gloucester victory. Photo: BrakeThrough Media

Good times in Gloucester. Photo: BrakeThrough Media

The Gran Prix of Gloucester shows signs of spectator rampage after a rowdy race. Photo: BrakeThrough Media

Balmy autumn weather brings family fun to the setting of the Gran Prix of Gloucester. Photo: BrakeThrough Media

Spectators watch over the south end of the course before the start. Photo: BrakeThrough Media

The sloppy conditions lead to a never-ending line at the bike wash. Photo: BrakeThrough Media

Inside the Cannondale-Cyclocrossworld.com team tent, pumpkin pie filling and oyster crackers don't seem so out of place. Photo: BrakeThrough Media

Helen Wyman has a chat with announcer Chris Zigmont while the photo pool is at the ready. Photo: BrakeThrough Media

Ben Berden shows signs of a sloppy race on the podium in Gloucester. Photo: BrakeThrough Media

Running a cyclocross race takes loads of volunteers; here, they get a primer on what to expect at the Providence Cyclo-cross Festival. Photo: BrakeThrough Media

Spectators in all forms come out in characteristic CX fashion. Photo: BrakeThrough Media

Course construction is ongoing as the days count down to the epic battles of the Providence Cyclo-cross Festival. Photo: BrakeThrough Media

Signs of autumn litter the course as riders recon during the Providence Cyclo-cross Festival. Photo: BrakeThrough Media

The Providence Cyclo-cross Festival brings out a good party! Photo: BrakeThrough Media

Cranking up the flames, the pizza oven burns all day behind the beer tent while spectators reap the benefits. Photo: BrakeThrough Media

Beer graden seating adjacent to the barriers makes for great spectator enjoyment in Providence. Photo: BrakeThrough Media

The food is as plentiful as the competition in Providence. Photo: BrakeThrough Media

When they say festival in Providence, they really mean it. Food, product demos, and more make the weekend a big hit. Photo: BrakeThrough Media

Spectator fashion makes its mark in Providence. Photo: BrakeThrough Media

Inside the video village at the Providence Cyclo-cross Festival. Photo: BrakeThrough Media

Keeping the mob at bay, inside the smoothie truck all seems to be running smoothly. Photo: BrakeThrough Media

Providence sees no shortage of crashes and calamity. Photo: BrakeThrough Media

Jeremy Powers' post-ride sludge on Saturday in Providence is a mere prelude to the slop-fest of Sunday. Photo: BrakeThrough Media

New Englander Matt Roy preps Cannondale-Cyclocrossworld.com bikes for Sunday's race in Providence. Photo: BrakeThrough Media

Tim Johnson seems to be in his element hanging out in the Cannondale truck to avoid the rain in Providence. Photo: BrakeThrough Media

Architectural features on the Providence course present an iconic backdrop to the race Photo: BrakeThrough Media

Local podium girls in Providence head to the awards ceremony. Photo: BrakeThrough Media

Bringing a little Flemish pride to New England cyclocross. Photo: BrakeThrough Media

The pizza truck has a hard time keeping up with fan lines before the rains start. Photo: BrakeThrough Media

The Mijos Taco truck helps fuel the hungry masses at the Providence Cyclo-cross Festival. Photo: BrakeThrough Media

A colorful scene makes the course feel like real New England autumn. Photo: BrakeThrough Media

Inside the California Giant-Specialized team tent, riders Cody Kaiser and Yannick Eckmann keep warm while the rains start. Photo: BrakeThrough Media

Kaitie Antonneau takes a bike change from Cannondale-Cyclocrossworld.com manager Stu Thorne in Providence. Photo: BrakeThrough Media

An off-camber section in Providence provides for more crashes and running on course. Photo: BrakeThrough Media

Helen Wyman rides through the rain after the finish as VeloNews photographer Wil Matthews chases. Photo: BrakeThrough Media

Jeremy Powers stays warm on the trainer while the elite women battle in the rain and mud. Photo: BrakeThrough Media

Chris Jones and Rapha-Focus PR guy Jake Sisson stay dry before the race start in Providence. Photo: BrakeThrough Media

A sopping wet USAC official checks riders off at the start in Providence. Photo: BrakeThrough Media

A mud-covered Zach McDonald rehydrates after his win in Providence. Photo: BrakeThrough Media

Tim Johnson looks pleased wih his epic ride through the mudfest to third in Providence. Photo: BrakeThrough Media

The tale of two feet: second-place Ben Berden's shoes at the finish in Providence. Photo: BrakeThrough Media

Backstage, Zach McDonald recovers from a huge effort in Providence. : BrakeThrough Media