| |
Top Professional Cyclists To Compete at BMC Software Downtown Criterium
Race to Kick-Off the 2001 BMC Software Cycling Grand Prix
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
April 4, 2001 (Austin, TX) - An elite field of more than 200 top cyclists including 2000 Olympic Gold Medalist, Marty Nothstein, are expected to take to the streets of downtown Austin, Texas this Saturday (April 7) as the BMC Software Cycling Grand Prix kicks-off its third season with the BMC Software Downtown Criterium. The race, featuring a high-speed, one-kilometer course, will give riders a chance not only to vie for the race's $25,000 prize purse, but to establish an early lead in the race for the $100,000 in bonus prizes that will be awarded at the end of the season to the male and female riders with the most overall Grand Prix points. |
"All of the cyclists are very excited about the BMC Software Cycling Grand Prix," said Tina Mayolo of the Autotrader.com cycling team, 2000 national race calendar overall champion. "This series of races gets bigger every year with even more participation from international teams, not to mention the fact that BMC Software Cycling Grand Prix boasts one of the richest prize purses on the cycling calendar." |
The BMC Software Downtown Criterium will be a timed race for both the men and women. The women's race will begin at 5:15 p.m. and will last for 60 minutes. The men's race will follow at 7:30 p.m. and race for 90 minutes. The race is part of the annual Ride for the Roses Weekend, which supports the mission of the Lance Armstrong Foundation, to help people manage and survive with cancer. The entire weekend will host an array of community elements including spectator friendly expos, live entertainment and interactive activities geared toward cycling aficionados and those new to the sport. |
BMC Software Grand Prix
| BMC Software Downtown Criterium |
April 7 |
| BMC Software Tour of Arlington |
July 8 |
| San Rafael Women's Criterium presented by BMC Software |
Sept. 8 |
| San Francisco Grand Prix presented by BMC Software |
Sept. 9 |
| BMC Software Tour of Houston |
Sept. 16 |
|
"I think I speak for the 650 BMC Software employees in the Austin area, when I say this race has become something that we really look forward to and really take a lot pride in bringing to the Austin area," said Wayne Morris, senior vice president and chief marketing officer for BMC Software. |
| "This is one of the largest international sporting events in Austin each year, and it seems to take a stronger foothold in the community each spring. In addition, by partnering this race with the Lance Armstrong Foundation, and all the terrific work they do, it really adds a sense of purpose to the event." For the third-straight year, the BMC Software Cycling Grand Prix will stretch from coast-to-coast, bringing some of the world's top professional cyclists to U.S. soil. The series kicks off with the BMC Software Downtown Criterium in Austin, TX, this weekend, followed by the BMC Software Tour of Arlington, July 8, the San Rafael Women's Criterium presented by BMC Software, September 8, the San Francisco Grand Prix presented by BMC Software, September 9, culminating with the BMC Software Tour of Houston, September 16. In addition to the $100,000 in bonus prizes offered by the BMC Cycling Grand Prix, professional cyclists will compete in the BMC Software Cycling Grand Prix for prize purses in excess of $100,000. |
The BMC Software Cycling Grand Prix is a critical series within the Pro Cycling Tour (PCT) calendar. The PCT is the nation's premier cycling series, linking the top professional road cycling events across the United States from March through October.
The first stop on the PCT was March 22-25 with the Mercury Sea Otter Classic in Monterey, CA. In that race, Saturn Cycling Team riders Trent Klasna and Anna Millward claimed the overall victories in the men's and women's races, respectively.
The BMC Software Cycling Grand Prix is designed to foster growth in professional cycling and showcase the progressive values and service of BMC Software and USA Cycling. This year's BMC Software Cycling Grand Prix marks the third year in a five-year agreement BMC Software signed with USA Cycling to sponsor the Grand Prix series.
The PCT is managed by Threshold Sports and sanctioned by USA Cycling. Threshold Sports is a sports marketing and event management company who organizes the best professional bicycle races in North America and focuses on the commercial development of the sport of cycling. For more information on the Pro Cycling Tour visit www.procyclingtour.com.
|
| On-site media services area: |
Located at the start/finish line of the race at the intersection of 6th Street and Trinity. |
| For further information contact: |
Suzanne Harrison - 214.841.1000
sharrison@mstreetsmedia.com
Lorinn Rhodes - 303.758.5911
lrhodes@mstreetsmedia.com |
|
One of the world's largest independent software vendors, BMC Software delivers the most comprehensive e-business systems management software with the fastest guaranteed implementation. This Service Assuranceä strategy enhances the availability, performance and recoverability of companies' business-critical applications. Companies can use this management methodology to demonstrate their ability to deliver optimal service to their customers and partners by joining BMC Software OnSiteä, a certification program that includes solution implementation and regular HealthChecks performed by BMC Software Professional Services.
BMC Software is a Forbes 500 company and a member of the S&P 500, with fiscal year 2000 revenues exceeding $1.7 billion. The company is headquartered in Houston, Texas, with offices worldwide. For more information please visit BMC Software's Web site at www.bmc.com. |
USA Cycling is the national governing body for the sport of cycling in the Unites States, and has more than 90,000 members. It is comprised of the U.S. Cycling Federation (USCF), which oversees road, track and cycle-cross, the National Off-Road Bicycle Association (NORBA, mountain bike), USPRO (United States Professional Racing Organization, pro men's road cycling) and the National Bicycle League (NBL), which handles bicycle motor cross. The official USA Cycling web site is www.usacycling.org.
|
|
|
|
Our Friends