[Printer Friendly Version] [How to E-mail This Article to A Friend]
WEEKLY NEWS 1: Tour De PA!
World's Best Young Cyclists to Race Across Pennsylvania in 2008
Tour de France-Style Race Offers World's Largest Purse in Under 25 Cycling
Class
HARRISBURG, Pa., May 16 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Officials of
Governor Edward G. Rendell's administration joined business leaders and
community organizers today to announce the American Eagle Outfitters Tour
of Pennsylvania, presented by Highmark Healthy High 5, a professional
cycling race expected to draw hundreds of thousands of spectators and
cycling enthusiasts to Pennsylvania in June 2008.
"The 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 feature 120 of the world's best young cyclists
in the espoir class (under age 25), including several who will participate
in the 2008 Beijing Summer Olympic Games and Tour de France.
The USA Cycling-sanctioned tour will begin 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. Riders will negotiate city streets
as they sprint to the finish line competing for a $250,000 purse -- the
world's largest-ever prize in this cycling class.
"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 rolling hills and city streets make it the
ideal setting for a race," said John Eustice, a Tour de France commentator
and supporter of the Pennsylvania Lightning, a team of PA-based talented
espoir cyclists expected to compete in the race. "It will truly test the
abilities of every rider on the tour."
The Tour will also include free race-day events for spectators along
the route in Philadelphia, Valley Forge, Reading, Hershey, Harrisburg,
Carlisle, Bedford, Ligonier, Latrobe, Uniontown and Pittsburgh.
At the conclusion of each race stage, community health and wellness
festivals hosted by Highmark Healthy High 5 will 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 http://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."
To learn more about the American Eagle Outfitters Tour of Pennsylvania,
presented by Highmark Healthy High 5, visit http://www.tourofpa.com.
About the Tour of Pennsylvania:
Winding through Pennsylvania from Philadelphia to Pittsburgh, more than
140 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.
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.
Article courtesy of PRNewswire.com
Visit their website at www.prnewswire.com
Write your own story telling us what you think about this article!
Read WEEKLY NEWS 2: Modern Marvals 
|
