Now in its 3rd year, the BMC Software Tour of Arlington, July 8, will draw a top field of competitors for the second of four races within the BMC Software Cycling Grand Prix. Held on a 3.5-mile circuit that features a steep climb up to the Water Tower on Park Avenue each lap, the action begins at 12:30 p.m. with the 42-mile women's race followed by a 2:30 p.m. start for the men.

In the women's race, BMC Software Grand Prix leader Ina-Yoko Teutenberg of the Saturn Cycling Team will be in attendance, backed up by a star-studded Saturn team lineup determined to win. But it won't come easily, as archrival Autotrader.com will be out in force, with new recruit Amber Neben, recently a stage winner in the two-week Hewlet Packard (HP) Women's Challenge in Idaho.

In the fold, AutoTrader.com has the horsepower to pull off an upset and there are others set to unseat Saturn. The upstart Procter & Gamble squad of New Zealand sprinter Joanne Kiesanowski, currently fifth overall in the BMC Software Grand Prix standings, has been a factor in national-level races all season. While Canada's Team Intersports, though sending just five riders, has to be considered a major threat with their quintet including 2000 Montreal World Cup winner Pia Sundstedt and former World Champion Catherine Marsal, who recently won the Sprints Jersey at the HP Women's Challenge.

Saturn is sending a 10-man squad led by current Pro Cycling Tour leader Trent Klasna; Mercury-Viatel will also have 10 riders, headed up by 2000 BMC Software Grand Prix Champion Gord Fraser and Texan Chann McRae, who has ridden the Tour de France. U.S. Postal Service can rely on a sextet that includes 2000 Olympian Antonio Cruz. In addition, there are several dark horse teams that are finding top form at just the right time. 7 UP/Colorado Cyclist is coming off a strong ride at the Fitchburg Classic, where John Lieswyn won a stage and they placed three riders in the top 10 overall. In addition, both the Argentinean National Team and Corona/Citibank/MasterCard of Mexico are made up of first-rate all-rounders looking to turn heads north of the border.

These top male and female athletes will be competing for a prize purse of $25,000 and points towards the overall BMC Software Grand Prix bonus prize purse of $100,000. The next race on the BMC Software Grand Prix schedule is the San Rafael Women's Criterium presented by BMC Software, September 8, and the San Francisco Grand Prix presented by BMC Software, September 9.

"We are proud to partner with BMC Software once again to bring the BMC Software Grand Prix to cyclists and spectators alike. In addition, the BMC Software Grand Prix will be a part of the prestigious nationwide Pro Cycling Tour," said USA Cycling Chief Marketing Officer Mary Monroe. "USA Cycling is grateful for the continued commitment of BMC Software to expanding the sport of cycling into major metropolitan markets throughout the country."

About BMC Software

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.