Sportsman Lake in Cullman has been chosen as the site of the 2006 Cyclocross Alabama State Championship, which will take place at the park on Dec. 17.

Cyclocross is a form of bicycle racing in which participants ride laps on a 1-2 mile varied course which includes paved trails, wooded trails, grass, steep hills and obstacles which require the rider to dismount and carry their bike a short distance before remounting and continuing the race.

The sport was born in the biking countries of Europe in the early 1900s as a way for road racers to stay in shape during the winter months. It spread to the U.S. in the early 1970s and has garnered a larger audience in recent years due to the rising popularity of non-traditional "extreme" sports such as snowboarding, motocross and skateboarding.

According to Cullman Cycle Club member Bill St. John, who along with fellow club member Billy Faulk was instrumental in bringing the event to Cullman, the varied riding surfaces at Sportsman Lake Park make it an ideal location for the championship.

In the past year, through Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs grants applied for and managed by the Cullman County Economic Development Office, Sportsman Lake Park has opened both a paved walking trail and an unpaved hiking/mountain bike trail system.

"We're excited about the championship coming here to Sportsman Lake," said Cullman County Park and Recreation Director Robbie Camp. "The new trails are in constant use, and the more people who use the park, the better ... that's what we're here for.

"To host this championship and have the chance to show off our parks to riders and spectators from all over the state is a great opportunity."

More information on the championship will be available soon at the Cullman Cycling Club's new website, located at www.cullmancyclingclub.com.