Press Release
SUNNY KING CRITERIUM TO BE INCLUDED ON LANCE ARMSTRONG JUNIOR OLYMPIC ROAD SERIES, WELCOMES JEFF ROAKE AND FRANKIE ANDREU, ANNOUNCES GOAL FOR DONATION TO CHARITY
April 4, 2008
ANNISTON, AL - The Sunny King Criterium, a USA Cycling NRC event on Saturday, May 3, announced today that it will be participating in the Lance Armstrong Junior Olympic Road Series. The LAJORS program promotes quality junior and espoir age bicycle racing while providing opportunities for the success and advancement of developing riders. The program will increase the quantity and quality of USA Cycling licensed junior and espoir riders in the United States, creating a larger pool of talented athletes from which to draw National Team athletes. The program is part of a USA Cycling "athlete pipeline". This "pipeline" provides a clear path for riders to follow from beginning racing experiences through training camps to National Teams.
LAJORS races begin at 11:00am Central Time and are followed by USCF races throughout the day. The final two races will be Pro 1-2 Women and Pro-1 Men, racing under the streetlights of downtown. Jeff Roake, a familiar voice at races such as the Tour of California and Tour de Georgia, will be the lead announcer for the amateur and pro races. Frankie Andreu will be another special guest for the weekend, joining Roake on stage during the Pro Women and Men's races. Andreu will also participate in the Cheaha Challenge recreational ride the next day, helping to raise money for the Chief Ladiga Rail Trail. The Cheaha Challenge attracts almost 1000 riders from more than 25 states and has donated more than $20,000 to the trail. The Chief Ladiga Trail recently connected to Georgia's Silver Comet Trail, creating a 100 mile paved path from Anniston, Alabama to Atlanta, Georgia.
The Sunny King Criterium benefits Relay for Life, a local American Cancer Society fund raiser. Race entry fees from amateur and pro riders are donated to this charity each year, thus determining the level of donation. The goal for 2008 was announced today at $10,000. More than $30,000 has been donated since 2005.
More information: www.sunnykingcriterium.com and www.cheahachallenge.com