The American Eagle Outfitters Tour of Pennsylvania, presented by Highmark Healthy High 5, is as pioneering as the historic Forbes Road that its riders will traverse.

Why?

The race is… The very first Tour de France-style “espoir” race in the United States (“Espoir,” French for “hope,” denotes the race is for up-and-coming riders under the age of 25).

 

• Six-day stage race televised around the world and covering more than 450 miles of Pennsylvania’s rolling hills and city streets.
• A total of $150,000 will be awarded in stage prizes, overall general classification and special competitions -- the world's largest-ever prize list for U25 riders.
• Comprised of at least 20 teams of six riders each from the United States and around the world. Racers of 15 nationalities will compete including at least one Pennsylvania-based team, the PA Lightning.
• An opportunity for the world’s top young cyclists including national champions, Olympians and future Tour de France stars to showcase their talent.
• Hundreds of thousands of spectators descending on Pennsylvania from around the country and around the world.
• A signature sporting event for Pittsburgh 250, a commission established to celebrate Pittsburgh’s 250th anniversary in 2008.
• A unique event to celebrate the 250th anniversary of Bedford, Ligonier and Pittsburgh, all of which were founded in a single year during the Forbes Campaign of 1758.
• An opportunity for Pennsylvania communities to display their uniqueness through festivals and expos at the start and finish of each stage.
• Anticipated to be the only espoir event on USA Cycling’s American Pro Tour for 2008, a series of the best bike races in the United States.
• A USA Cycling sanctioned race sponsored by American Eagle Outfitters and Highmark Healthy High 5, an initiative of the Highmark Foundation.

Sponsorship Info: Mike Fetchko, ISM-USA. 412.325.0525 or mfetchko@ismusa.us

Expo Info: Jeff Stoner, FDT Marketing. 858.200.7619 or jeff@fdtmarketing.com