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World’s Richest Espoir Stage Race Across Pennsylvania coming in 2008
Pro Cycling Tour to Organize Six Day Tour for U25 Teams from Around the World: American Eagle Outfitters Tour of Pennsylvania
Pro Cycling Tour, producers of quality cycling events and programs, announces it will organize The 2008 Tour of Pennsylvania, a six-day tour for under 25 year olds on teams from around the world. Officials of Governor Edward G. Rendell’s administration joined business leaders, community representatives and cycling event organizers in Harrisburg recently to announce the American Eagle Outfitters Tour of Pennsylvania, presented by Highmark Healthy High 5, an Espoir-only stage race expected to draw hundreds of thousands of spectators and cycling enthusiasts to Pennsylvania in June 2008.
“The American Eagle Outfitters Tour of Pennsylvania will help spotlight the commonwealth’s scenic countryside and rich history like nothing ever before,” said Governor Rendell. “We expect each city and town along the race route to benefit from an unprecedented influx of spectators from across the country and around the world.”
Sponsored by American Eagle Outfitters, the leading lifestyle brand among 15-to-25 year-olds, which is based in Pittsburgh, and Highmark Healthy High 5, a five-year, $100 million initiative of the Highmark Foundation designed to promote healthy lifestyles among children and adolescents, the tour will invite at least twenty six-rider teams of the world’s best young cyclists in the espoir class (under age 25), including several who are expected to participate in the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games and Tour de France.
The USA Cycling-sanctioned tour is being organized by Tour of PA, LLC, a partnership between Pro Cycling Tour, LLC of Norristown, PA and ISM-USA of Pittsburgh. The race will begin with a Prologue Time Trial in Philadelphia and cover approximately 500 miles over six days (June 24-29, 2008), with finish-line events in Valley Forge, Harrisburg, Bedford and the Laurel Highlands, and a race grand finale in Pittsburgh to help celebrate the southwestern Pennsylvania region’s 250th anniversary. A total of $250,000 will be awarded in stage prizes, overall general classification and special competitions – the world’s largest-ever purse for U25 riders.
“Sponsoring this tour is a natural fit for American Eagle Outfitters, and reflects the company’s commitment to the Pittsburgh region,” said Susan McGalla, president and chief merchandising officer of American Eagle Outfitters and member of the Pittsburgh 250 Commission. “We’re proud to be involved in a global sports event that our employees and customers can get excited about.”
The tour’s route will roughly follow the historic Forbes Road (along U.S. 30), which was created in 1758 when British General John Forbes and Colonel George Washington forged a trail through the challenging terrain of the Allegheny Mountains to the Forks of the Ohio during the French and Indian War, founding Bedford, Ligonier and Pittsburgh along the way.
“The route’s combination of challenging terrain and in town circuits make it the ideal format for a stage race,” said Jerry Casale, chief operating officer of Pro Cycling Tour, LLC. “Plus we’re thrilled that the race will showcase cycling’s wave of new, up and coming talent.”
In addition to inviting Espoir teams from around the world, organizers expect to include several American teams made up entirely of riders under 25, like USA Cycling’s Development Team and the newly-formed Pennsylvania Lightning, an all-Pennsylvania squad being directed by former Olympic Team coach, Jack Simes. “Our goal is to field a top team that will represent the state’s homegrown talent and give Pennsylvanians their own local favorites to follow,” said Simes.
The theme of healthy youth will be promoted at the conclusion of each stage through community health and wellness festivals hosted by Highmark Healthy High 5, a means to engage local communities in learning ways to adopt active living and healthy eating habits.
“Highmark Healthy High 5 is designed to promote healthy lifestyles among children and adolescents,” said Yvonne Cook, president of the Highmark Foundation. “The Tour provides an opportunity to engage children and families in the excitement of cycling and showcases the statewide opportunities for people to be outdoors, to be active and to have fun while doing it – all important elements of leading a healthy life.”
The Pennsylvania Tourism Office, another major sponsor of the tour, will market the race through
www.visitpa.com, working with regional tourism agencies across the state where Tour venues are located.
“The tour provides a unique opportunity to showcase Pennsylvania’s historic cities and towns,” said Mickey Rowley, deputy secretary for Tourism, Film and Economic Development Marketing. “We encourage people to spend part of their summer in 2008 visiting the communities along the race route and all that they have to offer.” Rowley also stated that Pennsylvania supports many initiatives that encourage and promote cycling including
www.visitpa.com sponsorship of the Commerce Bank Triple Crown of Cycling in Lancaster, Reading and Philadelphia, an elite mountain bike team and the development of a statewide network of bicycle routes and trails.
To learn more about the American Eagle Outfitters Tour of Pennsylvania, presented by Highmark Healthy High 5, visit
www.tourofpa.com.
About the Tour of Pennsylvania:
Winding through Pennsylvania from Philadelphia to Pittsburgh, 120 cyclists (under the age of 25) from around the world will race approximately 500 miles over six days in June 2008. The tour is sanctioned by USA Cycling and will feature future stars of the Olympics and Tour de France. The race offers the world’s largest total purse ($250,000) for young cyclists and will be televised around the world. The tour is sponsored by American Eagle Outfitters and Highmark Healthy High 5 and organized by Tour of PA, LLC, a partnership between ISM-USA of Pittsburgh and Pro Cycling Tour, LLC of Norristown.
About Pittsburgh 250:
The American Eagle Outfitters Tour of Pennsylvania, presented by Highmark Healthy High 5, is an important part of Pittsburgh 250, the celebration of the 250th anniversary of the naming of the region in 1758. With the support of business, government and civic leaders from across the region, Pittsburgh 250 has set three goals: Improve awareness of southwestern Pennsylvania as a global leader in arts, science and quality of life through an integrated regional marketing effort; support the completion of lasting signature projects that connect the region’s past to its future; and improve the region’s competitiveness for future generations by encouraging grassroots participation in improving communities, attracting visitors, and living healthier lives.
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