Hey everyone, check out the article below about the Univest Cyclosportif in Souderton, PA! I rode it last year (the 40mile ride) and it was a blast. It was truly the most challenging rec ride I have ever done, but I have never felt so great or had so much fun at any other event.

We were treated like VIPs with tent, lunch, and primo viewing afterwards. The best was just being a part of the entire ‘pro’ experience! Great teams were all there too, from TIAA-CREFF, Toyota United, and Navigators. What an epic finish and Tecos, my favorite team came in third!

I cannot wait to see what this year has in store. I will definately do it again this Sept. 8th. Cheers to you all and enjoy the riding this weekend. Check out www.cyclosportif.com and their myspace url is: www.myspace.com/cyclosportif

-Jess

Cyclosportif 100K set for Saturday, September 8

Don’t Miss the Chance to Ride A Professional Racecourse!

“Cyclosportif” is a European term for the recreational cyclist who enjoys the challenge of riding a true racecourse. This is an unforgettable opportunity to ride the actual racecourse just hours before the pros.

The recreational riders have five hours to complete the 40- or 60-mile course to finish under the start/finish line for the Univest Grand Prix and receive their official times and stats. Post ride, the Cyclosportif riders will be treated to showers and a delectable meal. TV Jumbotrons will show the live coverage, and riders can compare their times to those of the pros. Over $10,000 in spectacular prizes from Bianchi, De Rosa and Festina will be raffled to participants. The grand prize is a trip for two to a Cyclosportif in Provence, France including airfare through VeloSport Vacations!

This unparalleled event reveals cycling’s European roots while evoking something truly American. The Univest Cyclosportif is for the real enthusiasts, the ones who follow the Tour de France, train regularly, and want to push themselves in new directions. For all of its intensity and for all the kudos deserved for finishing the race, the Univest Cyclosportif is friendly and fun. It is the chance for the weekend warrior to experience and feel the atmosphere of a true international racecourse. Great course markings, feed zones, sprint zones, king of the mountains (KOM), it’s all there for a rider or a group of friends riding together to have their own “day in the pros”.

Riders start the race at the official start/finish and ride the first 20 miles through mildly hilly scenic farmland over local roads. The pack begins to string out just like a pro European race. The next segment takes the riders through quiet tree lined back roads followed by shattering climbs beginning with Old Church Road. This monumental hill begins the headlong dash through twisty descents and short uphill climbs that lead into the steadfast climb up Eichele Road. After reaching the top, cyclists enjoy a downhill stretch into the cool forested flats of Swamp Road. The course finishes with breathtaking views, the sprint to the finish, and the upcoming festivities of the day.

This unique experience fosters a dynamic comradery and mighty competition between riders and the clock.. John Eustice, the executive race director for Univest, stated in Bicycling Magazine, “Cyclosportifs are the way to the future in organized rides in the US. They are the fastest growing sector of the sport in Europe- and there’s good reason for it. They are organized with the precision of a UCI-professional race, ridden on a challenging professional racecourse full of directional arrows, sprints, KOM and feed zone signs. While they are not races, the Cyclosportifs give a serious rider the chance to fully test themselves. Like playing a round of golf at Augusta before the Masters begins and watching how the pros handle the same challenges you just did.”

Don’t miss the perfect day at the races starting with your own “day in the pros”!

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

About the Univest Grand Prix

The Univest Grand Prix is sponsored by Univest Corporation who partners with Sparta Cycling, Inc to host the community event. The cyclosportif benefits the Indian Creek Foundation. The Indian Creek Foundation is a non-profit organization that serves adults and children with developmental disabilities.

###