While professional cyclists and cycling fans eagerly await the start of the Tour de France this Saturday, cyclists from around the Midwest are also stretching their legs in anticipation of the 6th Tour de Road America “Bike Ride to Fight Cancer.”
Many local fans will be cheering the return of Lance Armstrong to the ranks of pro cycling and have high hopes for a strong finish from the 7-time winner and cancer survivor. The Tour de Road America has a strong connection with Lance – his Lance Armstrong Foundation, with its LIVESTRONG global campaign to fight cancer, is the principal beneficiary of the fundraising ride.
A key goal of Mr. Armstrong’s return to the pro ranks is to increase awareness of cancer and the need for funding for research and survivorship programs.
On Friday, August 14, American Le Mans Series drivers and their teams, fans and families, local cyclists, and cancer survivors will take to the famous 14 turns and hills of the scenic 4.0 mile Road America auto racing circuit to do their part in the fight against cancer.
The family-friendly fundraising ride begins at approximately 6:30 P.M., following the day’s auto racing activities. The ride is open to cyclists of all abilities and all kinds of bikes.
New for 2009, the Tour de Road America is pleased to add the Austin Hatcher Foundation as an official beneficiary of the event, joining the Lance Armstrong Foundation, the Hole in the Wall Gang Camp, and the Vince Lombardi Cancer Clinic.
“It was a natural fit to partner with Jim and Amy Jo Osborn and their foundation,” said George Siegle, President of the Tour de Road America Foundation. “With their connection to the American Le Mans Series, motorsports roots, and their incredible determination in turning a personal tragedy into small victories in the long-term fight against cancer, we just couldn’t ignore the opportunity to join forces.”
A silent auction of one-of-a-kind motorsports memorabilia and local items will take place on Saturday and Sunday, August 15 and 16, culminating just before the start of the American Le Mans Series race on Sunday afternoon. The Tour de Road America – Bike Ride to Fight Cancer presented by Delta Dental is organized by the Tour de Road America Foundation, a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization with an all-volunteer staff. Since 2004, it has raised over $120,000 for event beneficiaries the Lance Armstrong Foundation, the Hole in the Wall Gang Camp, the Vince Lombardi Cancer Clinic in Sheboygan, Wisconsin, and the Austin Hatcher Foundation. The Tour de Road America is made possible by the generous support of Road America, the American Le Mans Series and other racing series, Delta Dental, Giordana Cycling Apparel, Gear Grinder, JHG Benefits, Bella’s Custom Design, Tria Design and Marketing, Marketing Acuity, and many other businesses and individuals.