Three-Time Tour De France Winner Greg LeMond to Lead the 2002 Saturn Cycling Classic; International Champion Relives Cycling History at Boulder Theater

    BOULDER, Colo.--(BW SportsWire)--July 1, 2002--Greg LeMond, America's first international cycling star, announced today that he will be the official starter for the 2002 Saturn Cycling Classic presented by the Saturn VUE(TM). The Saturn Cycling Classic is considered by many to be "the toughest one-day race on Earth." LeMond, who was the first American to win the Tour de France and the World Cycling Championships, will lead the peloton on August 10 from the starting line in Boulder at 9:20 a.m. to the finish line in Breckenridge, Colorado, at approximately 4:00 p.m.
    The Saturn Cycling Classic is an intense 140-mile race on a route that climbs over seven mountain passes and descends over steep paved and dirt roads as it crosses the Continental Divide before dropping to the finish in the ski resort town of Breckenridge. Reaching altitudes over 11,500 feet, no race in the world equals the distance, number of climbs, elevation, wind and varied environmental conditions of the Saturn Cycling Classic, which also uniquely combines the world's finest male elite road and mountain bike racers.
    "The Saturn Cycling Classic is exactly the kind of event the U.S. needs to develop future stars at the highest pinnacle of racing in the world. This is epic stuff, the kind of race I would have loved," states LeMond, who will ride in the pace car for the entire race. The steep gravel and dirt descents introduce a unique challenge for the racers as they switch from lightweight road bikes to fat-tired, full suspension mountain bikes for the most difficult parts of the race.
    LeMond, winner of the Tour de France in 1986, 1989 and 1990, is familiar with the challenges of the Saturn Cycling Classic. In prior years, LeMond won races on some of the same terrain: in 1979, he won the Red Zinger Classic when he bested the world's top-ranked Russian National Team in a memorable Colorado victory. LeMond also returned to Colorado in 1985 and 1986, splitting Coors Classic victories with his teammate Bernard Hinault.
    Now in its second year, the Saturn Cycling Classic's cyclists compete for $75,000 in prize money, with the first-place cyclist winning a 2003 Saturn VUE(TM) sport utility vehicle.
    Last year, Jonathan Vaughters of Denver, who had to drop out of the Tour de France due to an allergic bee sting, was the first to cross the finish line in Breckenridge. Out of the 127 cyclists who started the race, only approximately 50 racers were able to finish.
    "The Saturn Cycling Classic offers many opportunities for people to get involved in cycling," observes LeMond. In addition to the men's elite race, the Saturn Cycling Classic will feature the Nicole Reinhart Criterium races in Breckenridge starting at 11:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. for amateur men in categories 3 and 4, respectively. Races for juniors with Olympic dreams start at 1:45 p.m., and the women's race starts at 2:45 p.m. Two recreational rides will be available for amateur cyclists, starting in Breckenridge.
    In addition to his race presence, LeMond will share his unique cycling perspective when he speaks on Friday, August 9, at the Boulder Theater at 6:30 p.m. -- "An Evening with Greg LeMond presented by the Saturn Cycling Classic." LeMond will discuss and narrate a video presentation on his narrow eight-second victory in the 1989 Tour de France. Known as one of the most memorable finishes in the sport, LeMond's victory will take cycling enthusiasts and weekend warriors alike through the monumental ride and pivotal points in the race. In addition, LeMond will review his remarkable 1979 Red Zinger Classic win over the Russian National Team.
    Earlier in the evening, cycling enthusiasts are invited to try the Saturn CyberBike -- a virtual cycling racing simulator -- from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. in front of the Boulder Theater. The public will have the opportunity to join the exciting cycling action by racing each other on the unique simulator.
    Saturn has supported cycling for more than a decade. The Saturn Cycling Team finished the 2001 season as the top-ranked men's and women's teams in the United States, and the women's team is ranked No. 1 in the world.
    Tickets for "An Evening with Greg LeMond presented by the Saturn Cycling Classic" are available at the Boulder Theater (303/786-7030) or online at www.bouldertheater.com. General admission seating including tax and service charges is $13.
    For more information about Saturn Cycling, visit www.saturncycling.com. For information about the Saturn Cycling Classic, visit www.saturncyclingclassic.com.