FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
DATES FOR THE TOUR OF CONNECTICUT ANNOUNCED
The Tour Adds Two Races
DANBURY, CT (April 14, 2004) - The 2004 Tour of Connecticut announced that race week will begin May 16 and end May 23rd with the addition of two venues to the already exciting schedule of races this year. The Tour, expanded into a 5 race Omnium or points series, is a critical stop on USA Cycling¹s National Racing Calendar.
"These races have become the key event for the US professional class as preparation for the national championship in Philadelphia," commented John Eustice, Race Director. "The mix of long, grueling road races and fast criteriums allows the pros to race the distances they need to, while working on their speed and power, yet not becoming over-taxed."
Rene Wenzel, General Manager, Subway-Express Pro Cycling Team concurred. "For the biggest and most important bicycle racing event in North America, the US PRO Championship, I believe the Tour of Connecticut, with the Housatonic Valley Classic as the last stage, is the best preparation an American elite racer can possibly ask for."
RACE WEEK
May 16th - Road Race in Litchfield Hills 220K (137.5 miles): Pros and
invited Category 1&2 amateur teams contest an extremely difficult
race around historic Litchfield County that starts and ends in Torrington.
Amateur criteriums for Category 2/3 and Masters 35+ will take place while
the pros are out on their initial 188K (117.5 miles) loop.
May 20th - Circuit race on Lime Rock Park race track 50K (31.25 miles) The famed automobile racing track goes from horsepower to manpower as the pros tackle a fast lunchtime race.
May 21st - Criterium in New Haven 50K (31.25 miles): The "Race Around the Green" - High speeds and quick turns create an unparalleled spectacle as the pros race around the famed green in a evening race for the after-work crowd.
May 22nd - Waterbury 80K (50 miles): The Waterbury Climber¹s Cup has been called one of the hardest races in North America and tests the professionals to their maximum. For the true cycling fan, this race is a must-see event. 2004 introduces a 30K World Championship selection race for Juniors. Winners here will qualify for the PCT Jr. Grand Prix at the USPRO Championship in Philadelphia. You'll get a glimpse of tomorrow¹s cycling stars.
May 23rd - Housatonic Valley Classic 160K (100miles): The grand finale stage is the dramatic Housatonic Valley Classic: 160K through the ten towns that border Candlewood Lake with the start and finish in Danbury. Watch Team Navigator¹s Russian Vasilly Davidenko try for the hat trick - his 3rd consecutive win at the Classic. Once the Classic riders take off for their initial 80 mile loop around Candlewood Lake, the crowd in Danbury will be entertained with criteriums for Masters, Juniors and women.
Along with the addition of two race venues, race week sees a change in the women¹s competition. Instead of a road race, top women cyclists will be competing in a criterium or short circuit race. Eustice explains, "The Tour was privileged to have the world¹s number one female cyclist, Anna Millward, on the podium in the past. This year we will give the women a crowd pleasing criterium instead and hope to bring back the road race in 2005."
The Tour of Connecticut will be televised internationally on ARIA TV SPORTS an internet-based TV channel that delivers high quality sports programming across the net: www.ariatv.com. It will also be televised on Connecticut¹s UPN station WCTX & ABC¹s WTNH. The final stage of the TOC, the Housatonic Classic, will be broadcast live on WLAD-AM80 Radio.
The race is presented by Land Rover, the Housatonic Valley Sports Commission, Council of Elected Officials and Economic Development Partnership, North West Connecticut Convention and Visitors Bureau, and Mavic.
The Tour of Connecticut is produced by Sparta Cycling of New York City. Sparta Cycling, Inc. is one of America¹s top cycling event promoters that designs and implements world-class cycling events based on strong community involvement. Sparta properties include the Tour of Connecticut, the Housatonic Valley Classic and the Univest Grand Prix.
For more information, visit:
www.tourofct.com
www.housatonicvalleyclassic.com
www.spartacycling.com
Contact: John Eustice, Sparta Cycling - 917-699-4566 or jde@spartacycling.com
Margot Callahan Media: 412-904-1660 or ciaomargot@hotmail.com
