Berkshire Cycling Classic Cyclosportif

Location:

Lenox, MA

 BERKSHIRE CYCLING CLASSIC ANNOUNCED

Lenox, MA To Host International Event

Sparta Cycling is pleased to announce the first annual Berkshire Cycling Classic in Lenox, Massachusetts on May 6, 2012.  The recreational cycling event, run in a classic format known internationally as a Cyclosportif , is held on a professional racecourse and open to cyclists of all abilities and ages but aimed at riders looking for a challenging experience. Sparta Cycling, a specialist international race production company, is creatinga “day in the pros” for the enthusiast rider. 

Lenox, nestled in the heart of the beautiful Berkshire Mountains provides the perfect host venue for a challenging Cyclosportif. “This is a wonderful and largely undiscovered cycling region", said John Eustice of Sparta, " containing a great mix of New England charm, tough terrain and world class hospitality.” 

“The town of Lenox is excited to host the first annual Berkshire Cycling Classic and welcome cyclists to discover Lenox and the Berkshires,” said Dave Roche, Select Board member of the Town of Lenox. “We hope this will be a great weekend getaway for them and their families as they enjoy the beautiful countryside and the area’s cultural attractions, recreation activities, restaurants, and spas.” 

Cyclosportif is a French term for a recreational cycling event where participation can number in the thousands and include riders from around the globe. The Italian term “gran fondo”, or big ride, is often used for these events in the United States. Both recreational and racing cyclists use Cyclosportif events as a personal challenge against distance and terrain and to get the experience of a European pro cycling event. 

The first annual Berkshire Cycling Classic in Lenox, Massachusetts on Sunday May 6, 2012, will feature route selections of 62 and 81 miles (100k and 130k). Overall times for both distances will be recorded and ranked according to age groups

The long and hilly routes provide the perfect settings for those who wish to test their legs in a friendly and competitive atmosphere.  “This is a fantastic course “, explained Eustice, a former US Pro Cycling champion. “It is a very challenging route, reminiscent of a Tour de France stage in the Vosges Mountains of Eastern France. “ 

Registered riders of the Berkshire Cycling Classic will receive technical support provided by Mavic USA, well-positioned “feed zones”, or rest stops, complete with energy food, choices for hydration, and areas to relax as they tackle the course. Pre-registered riders will receive a commemorative t-shirt and vendors will be on-hand to sell a limited edition jersey. Following the main event, riders and their families will be invited to a post-ride celebrations hosted by our many local partners (locations to be announced later this month). 

For more information, please visit www.berkshirecyclingclassic.com.

 

ABOUT LENOX, MASSACHUSETTS

The Town of Lenox, Mass., nestled in the heart of the Berkshire Mountains in Western Massachusetts, is known for its beauty, New England charm, and many prominent cultural and historical attractions. Lenox is home to Tanglewood, the summer venue for the Boston Symphony Orchestra and many other musical acts; Shakespeare and Company, an international theater performance, training and education center; and The Mount, Edith Wharton’s country estate that now hosts tours, lectures and performance. Numerous other attractions evoke the allure and architecture of the Gilded Age, such as Ventfort Hall Museum and the Historic Berkshire Scenic Railway. 

Lenox has a year round population of 6,000 residents, expanding to more than 35,000 during the summer months. 

For more information, go to www.discoverlenox.com.

 

ABOUT SPARTA CYCLING

Sparta Cycling specializes in international cycling event and television productions. 

Current events include the Skyscraper Harlem Cycling Classic presented by Rock Star Games, the Berkshire Cycling Classic and the Bucks County Classic. 

Founded in 1998, Sparta productions have included the Tour of Connecticut, the Housatonic Valley Classic, the Univest Grand Prix and Cyclosportif 100k, the US Open of Cycling, the USA Cycling Espoirs Time Trial and Road Racing Championships, the USA Cycling Junior Time Trial, Road Race and Criterium Championships, and the Paralympic National Cycling Championships.  

Sparta Cycling uses deep and expert cycling knowledge to craft cycling events that perfectly fit the needs of host communities and sponsors. 

For more information, please visit www.spartacycling.com.

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