This race will go forward
Before I write anything else, let me express my gratitude to the Greenville Hospital System and Duke Energy Carolinas. They are making today’s blog post a happy one. Their support of the USA Cycling Professional Championships allows the event to avoid the struggle many races around the country are facing.
On a day when yet another race was postponed for the year, media and invited guests gathered at Hincapie Sportswear for the formal announcement of the fourth Greenville Hospital System USA Cycling Professional Championships. The Time Trial will once again be attempted at the 6.9-mile course at Clemson University – International Center for Automotive Research on August 29. The Road Course will follow the same course as last year on Sunday, August 30.
Things were not always rosy for the race. Even before the 2008 race there were rumors that the event would be moving from Greenville. There were also some struggles with funding even then. However, Greenville Hospital System stepped up to the plate and then Duke Energy Carolina followed to bring the race around the bases.
New for this year will be two events for U.S. Handcycling. Close to 30 elite athletes are expected to compete in a time trial and a criterium as part of the U.S. Handcycling Series, presented by the Paralyzed Veterans of America. Ryan Barnett was there to speak on behalf of these athletes.
It is my hope that I can upload video clips of the entire press conference. Unfortunately, I’m having some issues getting YouTube to accept some of the video files. As soon as these issues are resolved, I will be displaying the video here. Following is the first of the series:
Stay tuned for more video – including George Hincapie’s comments.
Tags: Duke Energy Carolinas, Greenville, Greenville Hospital System, Hincapie Sportswear, Professional Championships, Ryan Barnett, U.S. Handcycling, USA Cycling
Awesome! Thanks for posting! My favorite part is when it is stated that Greenville is a great town where a “hand shake” still means alot! That says so much about our town!!!