Sports

Grand Cycling Classic to bring elite athletes to Grand Rapids

Friday, June 22, 2007 10:44 AM EDT

GRAND RAPIDS - Priority Health will sponsor the first-ever Grand Cycling Classic in conjunction with Celebration on the Grand on Saturday, Sept. 8, 2007. The pro-am cycling race, with a purse totaling $20,000, will feature some of the nation's most elite athletes competing on a 1.2 kilometer circuit around downtown Grand Rapids.

"We expect this to be a great event combining the intensity of Tour de France with the excitement of NASCAR," said Kimberly K. Horn, president and CEO of Priority Health. "This sponsorship is a perfect fit with our commitment to improving health because cyclists serve as fantastic role models for healthy lifestyles and wellness in our community."

The Priority Health Classic begins at noon and will feature five races attracting some of the best professional and amateur cyclists from across the nation. Spectators will be able to view the course as cyclists loop around Ionia, Louis, Ottawa and Oakes streets at speeds reaching almost 40 miles per hour. Riders from the Priority Health Cycling Team, Michigan's only professional team, will be among the athletes to compete.

There will also be free children's races for those ages 9 and under, giving youngsters the opportunity to ride their bikes and tricycles on the historic brick streets of downtown.

"This family-friendly event will be a great addition to Celebration on the Grand," said Joe Pettalia, chair of Celebration on the Grand. "Spectators will be able to come downtown for an afternoon of races and then stay in the area for an evening of music and other fun activities."

Volunteers and cyclists are encouraged to sign up for the Priority Health Grand Cycling Classic by visiting www.priorityhealthclassic.com.

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