NorCal Cycling News – Cycling and Racing in Northern California

Easton-Bell Sports to be Title Partner for the 2011 Scotts Valley Grand Prix

The SCOTTS VALLEY GRAND PRIX kicks off with amateur races on Sunday, May 15th, 2011 at 1:00PM. The main events of the Pro Women and Pro Men take to the start at 5:40PM and 7:50PM. respectively. This criterium (lap-races based on time) style racing has an exciting drag race finish located at Canepa Design (4900 Scotts Valley Drive), Scotts Valley, California.

Scotts Valley, California (March 18, 2011) — Syzygy Sports Group is pleased to announce Easton-Bell Sports and its brands: Easton, Bell, Giro & Blackburn as the Title Partner for the 2011 Scotts Valley Grand Prix. With the Easton-Bell Sports facility located in Scotts Valley they are a perfect partner for the event.

“We are excited for the opportunity to grow this event with Easton-Bell Sports at the helm” states Mark Davis, CEO of Syzygy Sports Group. “Easton-Bell Sports is the preeminent corporate citizen in Scotts Valley, and this solidifies this race and its commitment to cycling and growing the SVGP into a family oriented event.”

“Easton Bell Sports is proud to sponsor the Scotts Valley Grand Prix, working with the City, the Chamber of Commerce and Syzygy Sports Group to bring the community this exciting cycling event.”

— Steve Bigelow, President Action Sports, Easton-Bell Sports.

 

The Scotts Valley Grand Prix takes place on May 15, 2011, starting at 1:00PM. The Women’s Pro race will be the highlighted event at 5:40PM and continue with an exciting Men’s Pro Twilight criterium starting at 7:50PM. There 7 other amateur races throughout the day and a free kid’s race, fun for the whole family until 9:00PM.

Spectators can enjoy standing at the finish-line or sit comfortable in the stadium seating at selected areas along Scotts Valley Drive, El Pueblo Drive and Carbonero Way. An Expo is being hosted at Canepa Design (4900 Scotts Valley Drive) and two adjacent areas including a food court, vendors, race announcers, DJ’s, podium presentation stage and a children’s play area that will include, but not limited to, a bounce house and climbing wall and a free kids bike race.

Mark Davis, as Race Director, also states, “Last year we launched an event that provided value and entertainment to the Scotts Valley area. The race supported professional and amateur cyclists and this year we are stepping with title sponsor Easton-Bell Sports and partnering with the Scotts Valley Chamber of Commerce.” The event is sure to please cycling fans, families, visitors, and everything in between.

The women’s professional race expects the return of Nicky Wangsgard (Utah/) and her team to defend last year’s victory:

“I can’t wait to return to the Scotts Valley Grand Prix with my new team and defend last years win. I was honored to win last years race because the field was full of talented cyclists from the best teams in the country. Also, Scotts Valley is such a beautiful town and the community is so supportive. Most of all, I’m excited to return to a race where the women racers will be treated equally and respectfully, which is awesome.”

Also committed to the race is Scotts Valley local Jennifer Reither captain of Vanderkitten-Focus who will be bringing her entire squad for a race to the finish to be crowned Queen of the SVGP. Other Professional women’s teams include but not limited to: Team TIBCO, along with Peanut Butter & Co. (both teams which include Olympians and multiple national champions), , and Colavita/Forno D’Asolo.

The men’s pro race expects the return of Keith Miller (Los Gatos / California Giant Cycling Team) to defend his win. Also expected are Scotts Valley locals Rob Evans and Bob Newman and the rest of the Santa Cruz based California Giant Strawberry Cycling Team, McGuire, Lombardi Sports, Safeway, Trek/Livestrong, and Team ClifBar.

 

About The Scotts Valley Grand Prix

The Scotts Valley Grand Prix (SVGP) is the Santa Cruz Mountains only twilight Criterium with a primary focus of the elevating the Women’s Professional event. It was established in 2010 by Mark Davis and this year the race aims to be bigger and better than before. More information is available at www.scottsvalleygrandprix.com and on facebook at .

Why Women Are The Main Event:

The sport of cycling is a fast growing sport for women and children. May 15^th starts the UCI sanctioned Tour of California Stage Race where there is no women’s event. Syzygy Sports Group is committed to support and grow women’s bicycle racing with the SVGP sharing the same day as the Stage 1 of the Tour of California. The professional women cyclist you will see race the SVGP train hard, work long hard hours at a full time job and some have families while still competing at a National level.

About Easton-Bell Sports

Easton-Bell Sports, Inc. is a leading designer, developer and marketer of innovative sports equipment, protective products and related accessories. The company markets and licenses products under such well-known brands as Easton, Bell, Giro and Blackburn. Its products incorporate leading technology and designs and are used by professional athletes and enthusiasts alike. Headquartered in Van Nuys, California, Easton-Bell Sports has 29 facilities worldwide. More information is available at www.eastonbellsports.com.

About Syzygy Sports Group

Syzygy Sports Group produces premiere cycling events for pro and amateur cyclists while delivering our partners corporate image, message, and product information to their target customer/spectators. Currently, Syzygy Sports Group produces the Scotts Valley Grand Prix (May 15th, 2011 – Scotts Valley, CA) and the Strawberry Crown Invitational Criterium (August 6th, 2011 – Watsonville, CA).

Contact:

Syzygy Sports Group