3rd ANNUAL GRAND CYCLING CLASSIC RETURNS TO DOWNTOWN GRAND RAPIDS

Meijer is 2009 Title Sponsor

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich., June 16, 2009 – Race organizers announced that the 3rd annual Grand Cycling Classic, formerly the Priority Health Grand Cycling Classic, will take place on Sat., Aug. 8 in Grand Rapids and that Meijer has come on board as title sponsor of this year’s event.
Participants in the Meijer Grand Cycling Classic will compete for a $12,000 purse in a series of amateur races leading up to the Elite Women’s race and the Men’s Pro-Am featured event.

Organizers also announced that they have secured Amway Corporation’s support for the 2009 Grand Cycling Classic Amway One by One Kids Race.

“We’ve held a national caliber criterium on the signature bricks of downtown Grand Rapids for two years, a tradition we will continue with Meijer and Amway on board,” stated West Michigan Sports Commission Board Member Robert Hughes. “Our new date is a better fit on the cycling calendar, coming a week after Elk Grove Village and a week before Downers Grove. We expect to draw several hundred cyclists from around the country.”

With Grand Rapids being its home base, the #1-ranked BISSELL® Pro Cycling Team has already committed to participate in the Aug. 8 race.

Professional race management is being provided by Arlington Sports, the promoting organization for the Air Force Cycling Classic, one of the premier professional cycling events in the nation. Arlington Sports is working with the West Michigan Sports Commission and the City of Grand Rapids to ensure strong community support and a top-level event.

“This was the only cycling race in Michigan that grew over the past two years,” said Mike Guswiler, executive director of the West Michigan Sports Commission. “As always, we’ll pull out all the stops to welcome these athletes and to put the Meijer Grand Cycling Classic on the map as one of the ‘must-do’ events in US cycling.”

Host housing will be offered for visiting pro teams and riders. Online registration opens soon; housing/hotel information, course and other race details are available at www.grcyclingclassic.com .

In addition to Meijer and Amway Corporation, Meijer Grand Cycling Classic sponsors include BISSELL®, Advantage Benefits, the West Michigan Sports Commission and The B.O.B.