Bright House Networks named title sponsor of Marion Classic cycling race

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
(Free-Press-Release.com) July 28, 2008 -- Bright House Networks has been named title sponsor of the state’s newest and largest cycling race that will feature national and international professional teams competing for $15,000 in prize money.

The inaugural Bright House Networks Marion Classic presented by The Cellular Connection is Aug. 8-9 in Marion, Ind. Hosted by the city of Marion and CDH Venture Group, the event will feature professional, elite amateur and community bicycle racing amid a family-friendly festival atmosphere featuring live music during the city’s annual Riverwalk Music Festival.

Admission for spectators is free.

Cycling teams will compete for $15,000 in prize money while another $5,000 will be distributed among amateur races. Indiana-based AeroCat Bicycles will also offer a Carbon ACR500 frameset as a sprint prize for the top racers. The size of the prize list and the range of community activities that surround the event will make the Bright House Networks Marion Classic one of the top 50 bicycle races in the United States.

“We’re excited to be title sponsor of the inaugural Bright House Networks Marion Classic and help the city of Marion achieve hosting its first professional sporting event ever,” said Bright House Networks Indiana president Buz Nesbit. “The races will surely be exciting, as will the atmosphere throughout the two-day event. We’re looking forward to great racing and fun for the entire community during this year’s Marion Classic.”

The Bright House Networks Marion Classic’s first race circuit on Aug. 8 will span 1.44 miles through the city’s Village Business District and will be a flat course with long straightaways and wide roads; a family festival will follow the race. The second race circuit, on Aug. 9, will span .91 miles and feature eight turns, a steep climb and a quick descent along the Mississinewa Dam; the Marion Family Fest, featuring live entertainment, will follow the second race.

A complete guide to the event, including course profiles and event schedules, is available at www.marionclassic.com.

“We are very excited for the city of Marion to host such a premier bicycle race,” said Marion Mayor Wayne Seybold. “This is an opportunity for our community to host a professional sporting event and allow spectators to enjoy not only Marion’s largest community event but also Indiana’s largest competitive bicycle race.”

Bright House Networks Marion Classic is sanctioned by USA Cycling, the principle governing body for cycling in the United States, as a United States Cycling Federation event.

Confirmed riders for the race already include 2008 UCI World Track Champion Hayden Godfrey of New Zealand, 2008 Tour of Ohio winner Matt Winstead and United States collegiate national champions Bennet van der Genugten and Tom Hanley.

bicycle race     Bright House Networks     cycling     indiana     Marion     Marion Classic