MARION, IN (Jan 20, 2009) – The best cyclists from the best teams in the United States will again be racing in Marion, Indiana, only this time there is a national points series on the line.  USA Cycling accepted the Marion Classic to join the elite 34 events that make up the National Racing Calendar.  “We’re thrilled to have this opportunity,” remarked Race Director Chase Hoefer.  “Indiana finally has a chance to take stake in the world of professional cycling.  We’re very pleased that the heads of USA Cycling have taken notice of our growth and efforts within the cycling community.” 

Beyond cycling, Mayor Wayne Seybold is looking forward to the impact the event will have on tourism and awareness for the City of Marion.  “People will see our efforts.  We are revitalizing faster than any mid-sized city in the state.  With all the economic turmoil around the country, we want to show that extraordinary ambitions can bring about positive change and economic development.

As a former Olympic figure skater, Seybold recognizes the importance of national competition.  “Events like these cause the world to take notice.”

In two short years, the Marion Classic has seen participation from top international riders, including 2008 UCI World Track Omnium Champion Hayden Godfrey of New Zealand and Tasmanian Karl Menzies.  2007 saw Menzies a Stage Winner and 2nd Overall General Classification Rider of the Tour Down Under, the UCI ProTour event that begins the professional comeback of Lance Armstrong.  Menzies finished 6th in last year’s Riverwalk Criterium, the event that joins the National Racing Calendar, while Godfrey finished 3rd in the Village Criterium. 

2009 dates for the Marion Classic are Friday, August 21st and Saturday, August 22nd.  The Village Criterium kicks off festivities August 21st, includes family events, and is highlighted by both men’s and women’s pro-am twilight races.  The NRC Riverwalk Criterium takes place the following day next to Marion’s historic Mississinewa Dam and Matter Park.  Unique to the NRC is that the Riverwalk will host both men’s and women’s professional races, one of only 22 events to do so for 2009.  “It’s important to think progressively in an event like this,” stated J. Baumeister, owner of Tenspeeds Productions, the primary race-day management company for the Marion Classic.  Baumeister, a long-time advocate of women’s cycling, provides services to some of the best events across the country. 

Both criteriums are just over 1-mile in length.  The racing format is similar to a motorsports grand prix, where cyclists race by time as opposed to laps.  The professionals will cover approximately 40 miles each day at 30mph average speeds.  “It’s like free NASCAR with no motor,” joked Hoefer. 

Admission for spectators is free, aligning with the vision that the Marion Classic remains an accessible community event.  Fans can enjoy the close proximity to the riders, both during the races and maybe even strike up a conversation afterwards.  “Thanks to the coordination of the Marion Police Department and over 100 volunteers, we are able to provide a safe and intimate venue.”  In addition to cycling, there will be food, concerts, and lots of freebies, including children’s helmets and bicycle giveaways. 

The 2009 Marion Classic will get fresh insights into the racing through the commentary of Robbie Ventura.  Ventura, a former teammate of Lance Armstrong, is a household name in cycling and is part of the Versus broadcast team for the Tour de France.  As a Chicago native, Ventura is excited to see the growth of professional cycling in the states and especially the Midwest.  He stated simply, “I’m pumped.”

ABOUT THE MARION CLASSIC
The Marion Classic is in its 3rd year of operation, and first year under the ownership and direction of CDH Venture Group, LLC.  The event was founded as a community initiative with the intent to help shift the social and economic climates in Marion, Indiana.  2008 Title and Presenting Sponsors were Bright House Networks and The Cellular Connection, respectively.  Visit the event website at www.marionclassic.com.