USA Cycling Pro Championship Expects Huge Crowd
1 Comments Published by Unknown on Saturday, September 1, 2007 at 4:26 AM.
Greenville, S.C. - The executive director of Medalist Sports, one of the organizers of this weekend's USA Cycling Pro Championships, said he expects a larger crowd than the one that turned out for last year's inaugural edition of the event in Greenville, S.C.
"We had 62,000 spectators last year," said Chris Aronhalt, Executive Director of Medalist Sports. "We think everyone who came last year will bring someone with them so we hope to hit six figures."
Aaronhalt made his remarks at Friday afternoon's pre-event press conference. Barry Bennett, Director of Communications for Missouri Lt. Governor Peter Kinder, emceed the event, which took place at the Greenville Community Hospital.
Scott Beville, President of Sales and Marketing for The Cliffs, said the time trial the company is hosting has been changed for the better.
"The start is the same, but we want to create a better experience for the riders and the fans," he said. "It will be not as technical of an approach to the finish line. You’ll be able to see the riders come down for about the last mile. And it will help the riders hit the finish line full speed ahead."
Here are what other participants in the press conference had to say:
Steve Johnson, Chief Executive Officer, USA Cycling, Inc.:
It’s great to be back in Greenville. All of us were overwhelmed by this community and the experience and friendliness that was apparent last year. The word “significant” was used a lot last year. It marked year zero last year for me, when we had a significant, American-only pro peloton in our championships. Right now, we’re probably farther ahead than anyone to be the next major theater for professional cycling than any other country in the world. We’re on track to produce the best events and the best riders. We ended up turning away some of the top level teams for the Tour of California this year, so we know people are interested in racing here in America. Plus, we have some of the top riders in the world right here in our own backyard. We have increased our club membership more than 100 percent in the last four years. Junior membership is up, too. This even will capture the hearts and minds of some of the youngsters here in this community. So I wouldn’t be surprised to see one of them years from now stand on an international podium because they watched this event as they grew up.
Kevin Dunn, President, Palmetto Peloton Project:
Dunn shared a story one of the riders wrote last year. “All I could think as I was climbing Paris Mountain was what patients have to endure during their chemo treatments,” she wrote. “I didn’t stop going up that mountain because of them.” If you think 125 riders in the peloton is impressive, wait until you see 500.
Michael Riordan, President/CEO, Greenville Hospital System:
He thanked USA Cycling for bringing the championships to Greenville. The Greenville Hospital System is serving as the title sponsor for the event through 2008 and providing all medical services throughout the weekend.
Mayor Knox White, City of Greenville:
White hanked the athletes for being a part of the event, despite having a “hometown favorite” in the race (George Hincapie). Be warned, he said, there is a lot more excitement about this event. “The crowds will be much bigger than they were last year,” he said.
Jim Bourey, Greenville City Manager:
We anticipate a much larger crowd this year and want to ensure everything goes as smoothly as it did last year. There will be only one permanent road closure (Broad and Main) for the events, but there are maps and traffic advisories on the website that detail the route.
"We had 62,000 spectators last year," said Chris Aronhalt, Executive Director of Medalist Sports. "We think everyone who came last year will bring someone with them so we hope to hit six figures."
Aaronhalt made his remarks at Friday afternoon's pre-event press conference. Barry Bennett, Director of Communications for Missouri Lt. Governor Peter Kinder, emceed the event, which took place at the Greenville Community Hospital.
Scott Beville, President of Sales and Marketing for The Cliffs, said the time trial the company is hosting has been changed for the better.
"The start is the same, but we want to create a better experience for the riders and the fans," he said. "It will be not as technical of an approach to the finish line. You’ll be able to see the riders come down for about the last mile. And it will help the riders hit the finish line full speed ahead."
Here are what other participants in the press conference had to say:
Steve Johnson, Chief Executive Officer, USA Cycling, Inc.:
It’s great to be back in Greenville. All of us were overwhelmed by this community and the experience and friendliness that was apparent last year. The word “significant” was used a lot last year. It marked year zero last year for me, when we had a significant, American-only pro peloton in our championships. Right now, we’re probably farther ahead than anyone to be the next major theater for professional cycling than any other country in the world. We’re on track to produce the best events and the best riders. We ended up turning away some of the top level teams for the Tour of California this year, so we know people are interested in racing here in America. Plus, we have some of the top riders in the world right here in our own backyard. We have increased our club membership more than 100 percent in the last four years. Junior membership is up, too. This even will capture the hearts and minds of some of the youngsters here in this community. So I wouldn’t be surprised to see one of them years from now stand on an international podium because they watched this event as they grew up.
Kevin Dunn, President, Palmetto Peloton Project:
Dunn shared a story one of the riders wrote last year. “All I could think as I was climbing Paris Mountain was what patients have to endure during their chemo treatments,” she wrote. “I didn’t stop going up that mountain because of them.” If you think 125 riders in the peloton is impressive, wait until you see 500.
Michael Riordan, President/CEO, Greenville Hospital System:
He thanked USA Cycling for bringing the championships to Greenville. The Greenville Hospital System is serving as the title sponsor for the event through 2008 and providing all medical services throughout the weekend.
Mayor Knox White, City of Greenville:
White hanked the athletes for being a part of the event, despite having a “hometown favorite” in the race (George Hincapie). Be warned, he said, there is a lot more excitement about this event. “The crowds will be much bigger than they were last year,” he said.
Jim Bourey, Greenville City Manager:
We anticipate a much larger crowd this year and want to ensure everything goes as smoothly as it did last year. There will be only one permanent road closure (Broad and Main) for the events, but there are maps and traffic advisories on the website that detail the route.
Good overview Sean. And everyone in Greenville seemed very happy with the crowds at the 2007 Greenville Hospital System USA Cycling Pro Championships - 40% increase from 2006. There were an estimated 85,000 spectators for the weekend - ITT and Road Race. Greenville rocks!
-j tyson, Peloton Sports