Jul 20, 2011
Presbyterian Hospital Invitational Criterium
On Saturday, July 30, 2011, approximately 200 professional cyclists from around the world will compete on the streets of uptown Charlotte to compete in the 8th Annual Presbyterian Hospital Invitational Criterium. The Women’s 25-mile event starts at 6:30pm followed by the new addition of the “Pro” Kids race then the Men’s 50-mile twilight race at 8:00pm.
The Presbyterian Hospital Invitational Criterium promotes community awareness of the Brain Tumor Fund for the Carolinas (BTFC) in an effort to increase regional brain tumor patient access to the best treatment, technology, research, and support.
The event continues to be ranked USACycling as the number one criterium race in the country for both men and women of the thirty-four events on the 2011 National Racing Calendar. This ranking is based upon several factors including quality of race venue, attendance of top teams, prize money, spectator attendance, team surveys and race reports from cycling officials.
In a tough year, when sponsorships have been down and many major events have been forced to scale back or cancel, the Presbyterian Hospital Invitational Criterium has seen its sponsors return with either cash or in-kind donations, to allow this event and the vital research it supports to continue.
Participation is also strong this year. 175 women riders from 6 countries will participate. The purse for the women’s competition is $25,000. 125 men from 16 countries will be on the course battling for the $50,000 purse. Many of the world’s best riders will be here for the event.
Expected to return and defend their 2010 titles are Theresa Cliff Ryan of the United States and Jon Cantwell of Australia. Professional teams expected to attend include Jamis- Sutter Home, Colavita Racing, Tibco to the Top, Team Mountain Khakis, Team Type 1, United-Healthcare, Texas Roadhouse, Jelly Belly, Bissell Pro Cycling, Kenda-5 Hour Energy, Fly V Australia,RealCyclist.com, Elbowz Racing, Kenda Women Pro Cycling, DIY Music, Team Global Bike, Chipotle, Foundation CRCA and Kelly Benefits Strategies.
Other events on race day include the Race Expo from 4:00pm until 10:00pm at N. Tryon & 6th Streets, and the Trans Jam BMX – Freestyle Contest presented by Maxxis Tires. The event will consist of two genres of BMX competition: park course (ramp riding) and flatland. All events will be in the parking lot at 3rd and Tryon Streets. Check out http://www.transjambmx.com for more information. BMX community alike!
Presbyterian Hospital is the Title Sponsor with University Volvo the Official Pace Car for the event. Other Sponsors include: Hearst Service Center, Carolina Neurosurgery Spine and Associates, Southeastern Radiation Oncology, Karat Patch Jewelers, Carolina Business Interiors, WBTV, Double Tree Hotel, DIY Music, and Giordana.
The Brain Tumor Fund for the Carolinas is entering the final year of a three-year grant commitment to fund the Patient Navigator position through Carolina Neurosurgery Spine and Associates. This position is the first of its kind to cater to brain cancer patients and their families in the Charlotte region. Renee Kelly, R.N. serves both Charlotte hospitals and facilitates care coordination between the multiple specialists responsible for the treatment of individual brain tumor patients. Renee sees on average 12-14 patients a day and assists with surgery consultation, drug treatment therapies, insurance questions and family support. If you would like further information, please contact Renee directly at renee.kelly@cnsa.com or at 704-831-4008.
A complete schedule and roster of athletes set to participate is available online at www.charlottecriterium.org.
This is the eighth year for the event, which raises money and awareness for the Brain Tumor Fund for the Carolinas, a local not-for-profit. The Brain Tumor Fund for the Carolinas was formed in 2003 and is dedicated to increasing public awareness of the impact of brain tumors and to providing support for the development of treatment strategies and cooperative biomedical research related to brain tumors in the Charlotte region. For more information go to www.btfcnc.org or contact Traci DeFelice at braintumorfund@carolina.rr.com.
Categories: Arts & Entertainment, Community
