A press release e-mail Wednesday states that plans for a new, professional, cross-state bicycle race will be announced next week.
A press conference will be held in the state capitol in Harrisburg on Wednesday, May 16. The highest ranking state government official slated to attend is a deputy secretary of tourism, but the attendees include a representative from American Eagle Outfitters and the president of the Highmark Foundation. Hopefully, they will provide solid sponsorships. Tour de France commentator and Univest Grand Prix organizer John Eustice will also be there to add credibility to the announcement.
The release provides few details, beyond saying that the race will be a six-stage race will be for professional, under-25-year-old riders. Stages will stretch from Philadelphia to Pittsburgh and it will first be held in 2008.
The announcement comes as teams, such as Discovery, are searching for sponsors and races in Europe, such as the one in Zurich, are being dropped because they have not secured a major sponsor. Last year, the Pennsylvania Triple Crown, with races in Lancaster, Reading and Philadelphia, seemed in doubt until Commonwealth Bank and the state government stepped up to support the series.
Yet, interest in bicycling seems strong locally. Races in Lancaster County are routinely attracting hundreds of participants. Nationally, USA Cycling is reporting double-digit increases in racing licenses.
Details of the new race will follow. Hopefully, the new race will include Lancaster County. And, hopefully, the public will come out to support it.
