For Immediate Release:
ORGANIZERS OF ECHELON GRAN FONDO AND FORT COLLINS CYCLING FESTIVAL COMBINE RESOURCES TO PRODUCE COLORADO’S BIGGEST CYCLING FESTIVAL
Multi-programmed August event will include Criterium, Road Race, Hand Cycling and Gran Fondo to be held in conjunction with Fort Collins free music festival, Bohemian Nights.
(San Francisco, CA – December 16, 2010) – The Echelon Gran Fondo Cycling Series by PlanetZ/Echelon, a non-profit organization that benefits cancer research and survivor support, has announced its partnership with the Fort Collins Cycling Festival (FCCF) to produce what will be Colorado’s largest cycling event slated for August 19th through the 21st, 2011. Echelon currently has five other events planned for 2011: Tucson, Napa, Seattle, Palo Alto, and Portland, Oregon.
The Fort Collins Cycling Festival, a cornerstone to cycling in Colorado, will partner with the Echelon team to augment its festival program with two events designed to raise money for local cancer related causes and organizations within Fort Collins and the Denver area regions. Added to the program will be the Echelon Gran Fondo and a Hand Racing competition that includes a fundraising component. According to FCCF Organizer, Charlie Weinbeck, “the Echelon events offer exactly what we need for a citizens challenge which will be held on some of the most beautiful roads in the state including the spectacular sweep up Rist Canyon.”
Echelon, who recently has become the largest operator of Gran Fondos in the US, will bring its 30, 60 and 100 mile courses that include a fanfare of “theater on the roads” style to Fort Collins. Echelon will introduce its signature style of fun and frivolity to their Gran Fondo and allow the non-racers to get a taste of a mass high-energy start and finish.
“We are no doubt excited about entering Fort Collins”, said Hunter Ziesing, Echelon’s Executive Director. “The city is clearly wanting to become the next best cycling town and invite those from Colorado and beyond. We also believe the weekend is a perfect lead out for the Quiznos Pro Challenge, providing something for every amateur cyclist.”
Echelon, a unique series designed for cyclists of all levels, combines riding, racing, and fundraising, along with what the organizers call a “Tour de France-like frivolity” to offset the serious nature of fundraising. What makes the Echelon event distinct from other charity-based cycling rides is the ride itself, or what Echelon’s Executive Director Hunter Ziesing calls “theater on the roads” –where cyclists are treated to an experience of riding in a grand tour for the day. At an Echelon event, a rider can expect announcers, balloons, cheerleaders, helicopters, live music, marching bands, epicurean treats, and a cast of characters typically found on Alpe d’Huez.
About Fort Collins Cycling Festival:
Fort Collins Cycling Festival strives to create educational, entertaining and environmentally-sustainable cycling events with as much community involvement as possible. Founder, Charles Weinbeck, promotes cycling events to perpetuate his belief that eco-responsibility and fun-filled events are not mutually exclusive. Charlie’s motto: “stay green, be local, cycle often, and smile daily.”
About PlanetZ/Echelon:
PlanetZ is a non-profit global member organization that promotes human affairs including health, environment, and community, and is greatly committed to the cycling community at large by creating events and fitness challenges that are designed to raise money to local and national cancer focused institutions. LIVESTRONG® is Echelon’s national beneficiary. Each event city has its own locally named beneficiary for Echelon’s fundraising program. For more information, please visit www.echelongranfondo.org
Media Contact: Rebecca Kotch
Phone: 323.806.5900
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