Jefferson Cup Postponed By Snow; Will Retain Nature Valley Pro Ride Status
The Jefferson Cup, the second event of the Nature Valley Pro Ride, is being postponed because of the high probability for snow on Sunday in Charlottesville, Va.
The one-day qualifier for Category 1 men and Category 1 and 2 women to compete for a spot in the Nature Valley Grand Prix is now scheduled for May 8.
Nature Valley Grand Prix Executive Director David LaPorte said despite the date change, he was keeping the oldest continually-running road race in the Mid-Atlantic region on the Nature Valley Pro Ride Calendar.
"When Ruth Stornetta (the promoter) contacted me to tell me that snow was forecast, I was surprised, because they're in Virginia, but sympathetic, because I'm in Minnesota," LaPorte said. "We know snow only too well here in the frozen Northland and it's not a good mix with bicycle racing. But we support her decision since safety must always come first and the Jefferson Cup will stay on the Nature Valley Pro Ride Calendar.
"It's not an ideal date, because it's the day after the Sterling Road Race (in Boston), which is also on our calendar. Riders who miss the cut for the Nature Valley Cycling Team at one qualifier frequently travel to another qualifier to have another go. That would not be possible with these two races," he said.
Staged on a 10-mile circuit that winds through rolling countryside south of Charlottesville, the Jefferson Cup offers a challenging 77-mile race for men and 50 miles for women. More details can be found on the race's website: www.bluewheel.com/jefferson-cup-2011
About the Nature Valley Bicycle Festival
Now in its 13th year, the Nature Valley Bicycle Festival is a 10-day celebration of bicycling that includes amateur and professional racing and community events. The Festival will open on June 10-12 with the Minnesota Fixed Gear Classic at the National Sports Center Velodrome. The marquee event, the Nature Valley Grand Prix, will be held June 15-19. The stage race has become the top event on the USA Cycling National Racing Calendar, attracting top American and international racing teams and nearly 300 riders from around the world. The Festival is a volunteer-run event with all profits donated to the pediatric hospice at Children's Hospitals and Clinics of Minnesota. For more information, visit www.naturevalleybicyclefestival.com.
About Nature Valley
Nature Valley, the brand that created the granola bar category in 1975, brings variety to healthy, active consumers looking for wholesome and great-tasting snacks. Headquartered in Minneapolis, Nature Valley is part of General Mills, a leading global manufacturer and marketer of consumer foods products. For more information, visit www.NatureValley.com.
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