International cycling race in Fayetteville adds Walmart as lead sponsor

Walmart is signing on as the title sponsor of OZCX Weekend, a festival-style event that will bring another globally acclaimed cycling race to Fayetteville.

Set for Oct. 14-16, OZCX Weekend will bring the top global cyclists to the area for the 2022 Walmart UCI Cyclo-cross World Cup, as well as fun racing opportunities for children, families, local cyclists of all skill levels and corporate teams. The races will occur at the purpose-built cyclo-cross course at Fayetteville’s Centennial Park.

Cyclo-cross is a unique discipline of cycling that incorporates road cycling, mountain biking and steeplechase. The three days of racing and events will kick off with elite-level internationally sanctioned races on Friday, followed by a full day of amateur races on Saturday and conclude with Sunday’s 2022 Walmart UCI Cyclo-cross World Cup race. In addition to the cycling events, guests of all ages can enjoy food trucks, live music and other activities.

All revenue generated from ticket sales will be donated to Arkansas Children’s Northwest in Springdale.

“We are proud to play a role in showcasing Northwest Arkansas and helping execute an event that will contribute to Arkansas Children’s Northwest’s mission of helping families in crisis,” said Casey Schlaybaugh, Walmart’s vice president of brand marketing. “Walmart has a long and deep connection with ACH and their national partner, Children’s Miracle Network. We are excited to sponsor a healthy and fun sporting event for the community right in our backyard.”

Shannon Hendrix, senior vice president and chief administrator with Arkansas Children’s Northwest, said proceeds from OZCX Weekend and any other contributions, regardless of size, will help the hospital provide care close to home for children in the region.

“No Arkansas child is ever turned away from Arkansas Children’s, but reaching every child requires support from the entire Arkansas community,” Hendrix said. “We are so grateful to have been selected as the nonprofit partner for this exciting event and look forward to cheering on the racers as they battle it out in Northwest Arkansas.”

Earlier this year, Walmart sponsored the UCI Cyclo-cross World Championships, which attracted a crowd of nearly 20,000 people to Fayetteville.

“Walmart’s support enables small organizations like ours plan and execute world-class events,” said Michael Spivey, president and CEO of Ozark Outdoor Foundation. “With Walmart and our other sponsor support, we will produce a three-day event like no other in the global world cup series. We are grateful to Walmart for their unwavering advocacy for healthy outdoor recreation events in our region.”