Record Turnout for the Great River Energy Bicycle Festival

Representatives from the Great River Energy Bicycle Festival announced today over 50,000 spectators gathered to visit the Festival and watch the Nature Valley Grand Prix, one of the largest and most challenging professional cycling races in the United States. Nearly 300 cyclists from over 20 countries competed in the Nature Valley Grand Prix, a five day stage race for both men and women professional cyclists.

"We were extremely happy with the turnout. On top of that, the race was one of the most grueling and competitive events on the pro cycling calendar so far this year," said Dr. David Laporte, Event Director for the Great River Energy Bicycle Festival. "An amazing volunteer staff did a fantastic job of organizing the event."

The race began with a time trial in St. Paul on June 8th, then moved to the city of Mankato, Minnesota and surrounding area for a 94 mile road race on Thursday. The evening circuit race on June 10th in downtown Minneapolis also drew huge crowds. Saturday was another long road race in and out of Red Wing, Minnesota. The event concluded in Stillwater, Minnesota on June 12th. "You could see tons of people lined up along Chilkoot Hill," said Andy Dahl, Stillwater Race Director. Racers climbed up Chilkoot Hill, which boasts a 24% grade, over 40 times in both the men's and women's final races.

Overall winners were Team Webcor's Christine Thorburn, the reigning national champion from Menlo Park, California and John Lieswyn on the HealthNet team from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Other racers in the competition included 2005 World Champion Katie Mactier, Canadian national champion Gord Fraser, and ten time German national champion Ina Yoko Teutenberg. The event is held each year as a benefit for Children's Hospitals and Clinics of Minnesota.

About the Great River Energy Bicycle Festival

The Great River Energy Bicycle Festival is a five day celebration of bicycling and the bicycle culture in Minnesota. It includes the Nature Valley Grand Prix, one of the largest professional stage races in the United States. The 2005 events took place on June 8 - 12 in Saint Paul, Mankato, Minneapolis, Red Wing and Stillwater, Minnesota. Proceeds from the event benefit programs at Children's Hospitals and Clinics of Minnesota.

Source: Great River Energy Bicycle Festival

CONTACT: Bonnie Harris for Great River Energy Bicycle Festival,
+1-612-801-0912