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Three-time World Champion and Tour de France Winner to Participate in 2006 Tour de Georgia
Published Mar 13, 2006
(Updated Dec 26, 2006)
At a press conference held on Thursday, March 9th, at the City of Cumming Fairgrounds, attended by Forsyth County Commission Chair, Jack Conway, and Mayor H. Ford Gravitt, among others, several exciting developments were unveiled, including the announcement that three-time World Champion and Tour de France winner Greg Lemond has accepted the role as honorary ride director for the inaugural BriarRose Grand Peloton this April. The BriarRose Grand Peloton will be held in conjuction with the final stage of the Ford Tour de Georgia for recreational cyclists, with proceeds benefiting the Georgia Cancer Coalition.
Lemond gained international prominence as the first American cyclist to win the Tour de France (1986) and the first cyclist named Sportsman of the Year by Sports Illustrated (1989). Greg went on to win the Tour de France twice more in 1989 and 1990 despite being accidentally shot in a hunting accident in 1987. After retiring in 1994 due to physical problems brought on by mitochondrial myopathy, a result of still carrying lead shot in his body, LeMond went on to design frames for his own bicycle company, Lemond Racing Cycles. The successful Lemond Bicycles brand, now part of Trek Bicycles, is an official Supplier for the Ford Tour de Georgia and BriarRose Grand Peloton. As part of the weeks festivities, LeMond will also be introducing his all new Triomphe’ series of full carbon bicycles to the press and public.
Details about the inaugural BriarRose Grand Peloton were announced by Ford Tour de Georgia organizers as part of its Media Tour in Cumming, the location of the Stage 6 start on April 23. This “ride of a lifetime" will allow 400 recreational cyclists to pedal the final 25-mile section of Stage 6 on the final day of the Tour from Cumming, Ga. to Alpharetta, Ga.
“We are privileged to partner with The BriarRose community and LEJ Sports in creating such a meaningful fundraising platform for the Georgia Cancer Coalition. Having Greg Lemond lend his support in our ‘race to defeat cancer’ makes this very rewarding for all the participants in the Grand Peloton. Not only do they have the unique opportunity to ride the same course as the pros, but they get to interact with a Tour de France champion and some special Team Captains, and at the same time get to achieve a significant personal goal for those touched by cancer,” said Chris Aronhalt, managing partner of Medalist Sports, the sports marketing agency licensed to operate the Ford Tour de Georgia.
To participate in The BriarRose Grand Peloton, each participant will be required to raise a minimum of $500, with an incentive program to reach higher levels, including recognition of the top five fundraisers during the Tour’s official awards ceremony. All net proceeds raised by participants will go directly to the Georgia Cancer Coalition. Entries into the inaugural BriarRose Grand Peloton are provided to the first 400 applicants. The BriarRose Grand Peloton participants not only receive limited-edition jerseys provided by Hincapie Sportswear, but also a police escort on the finishing circuit in Alpharetta, just hours before the pros cross the finish line.
Each participant will be placed on one of three groups, or pelotons, guided by a celebrity team captain, all former U.S. national champion cyclists. The Red Team will be led by Norman Alvis, member of the 1988 Olympic team in Seoul, Korea; the White Team will be led by Mari Holden, a five-time women’s national champion; and the Blue Team will be led by Steve Hegg, a 1984 Olympic gold medalist.
"I am truly looking forward to riding with The BriarRose Grand Peloton during the Ford Tour de Georgia. I am excited to be able to help raise funds for such an important issue. My family has a history of breast cancer and after dealing with my Mom's fight with the disease, I feel extra committed to doing anything I can to raise awareness and find a cure," added Holden.
Participants will have until April 14 to reach their fundraising goals, and will be hosted at an exclusive dinner on Saturday, April 22, the night before the ride, where they meet Lemond and their Team Captains. At the conclusion of the ride on April 23, all participants of the BriarRose Grand Peloton will be treated to a VIP viewing area and special hospitality for the finish of the Ford Tour de Georgia.
The BriarRose is a country estate and club community located between Atlanta and Augusta, Georgia. More information about the BriarRose Grand Peloton and the Georgia Cancer Coalition is available at the official Ford Tour de Georgia website (www.fordtourdegeorgia.com). Registration is available at active.com, or call LEJ Sports at to 770.641.7519. An official fundraising packet will be sent upon completion of application.
ABOUT THE FORD TOUR DE GEORGIA
The Ford Tour de Georgia is America’s premier, professional cycling event and rolling festival of community activities. The Tour is held annually in the spring with a varying route. It is sanctioned by the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) and USA Cycling (USAC) as a 2.HC rating, making the event one of the top stage races for elite athletes around the world. The 2005 Tour was won by Tom Danielson (USA) of the Discovery Channel Professional Cycling Team; champions from previous years include Lance Armstrong (USA) in 2004 and Chris Horner (USA) 2003. The Tour’s official beneficiary is the Georgia Cancer Coalition (GCC). The Ford Tour de Georgia is owned by The Georgia Partnership for Economic Development (GPED) and is managed by Medalist Sports. Merchandise and the latest updates are available at the official website, www.fordtourdegeorgia.com.
ABOUT THE GEORGIA CANCER COALITION
The Georgia Cancer Coalition is an independent, 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization located in downtown Atlanta. The Coalition was incorporated under the laws of the state of Georgia effective July 27, 2001. Both the Internal Revenue Service and the Georgia Department of Revenue have granted tax-exempt status to the Coalition. The mission of the Georgia Cancer Coalition is to reduce the number of cancer deaths in the state. In so doing, Georgia intends to become a national leader in cancer control by accelerating prevention, early detection, treatment and research. The Georgia Cancer Coalition brings together leading Georgia hospitals, universities, biotech firms, civic groups, non-profits, and government agencies to provide cancer research, prevention, detection, and treatment of cancer. The Coalition was created to coordinate cancer-dedicated expenditures from the State’s share of the National Tobacco Settlement Trust Fund. The Coalition is registered as a Charitable Organization with the Secretary of State. The official website is www.georgiacancer.org.
ABOUT BRIARROSE
The BriarRose is just over an hour east of Atlanta near the community of White Plains in the Oconee River Valley and rests on the edge of the Piedmont where views of distant hilltops stretch for 30 miles. The BriarRose features a Roy Case-designed championship golf course, a state-of-the-art equestrian center, over 14 miles of bridle and biking trails, an elegant clubhouse, spa and fitness center, chapel, fresh market and multi-million dollar water complex. The company’s website is www.thebriarrose.com.
ABOUT LEJ SPORTS GROUP
LEJ Sports Group is a sports marketing and event management company, providing services to professional teams, leagues and corporate clients. Current clients include the National Basketball Association, Major League Baseball, the United States Olympic Committee, the United States Tennis Association, and Gatorade. The company’s website is www.lejsports.com.
