Classic Awarded Highest Ranking on the USA Cycling National Racing Calendar

Mt. Hood Cycling Classic returns May 13 - 18, 2008
6 Stages in 6 days / 35,000 vertical feet of climbing 400 miles
Top pro cycling teams from U.S. and Canada are competing

(November 19, 2008) The Mt. Hood Cycling Classic is returning for the 2008 season in full force. This year, the event has been recognized as one of the top professional races in the country, earning the highest ranking on the USA Cycling National Racing Calendar. In addition, the Classic has been named as one of only three UCI women’s point races in the nation, an honor that will make it an Olympic qualifier event. Chad Sperry, Classic’s race director, couldn’t be more thrilled, "We are incredibly excited at the Mt. Hood Cycling Classic receiving the highest ranking on the pro circuit. It insures that every pro team in the U.S. will be here hunting down points for the national series."

And what does Sperry have to say about being part of the UCI women’s series? "Being an international women’s race is incredible. It brings a whole new element to the race because the Classic will be one of the final Olympic Qualifiers for the U.S. women. No other stage race in the U.S. qualified for this prestigious honor and as a result we expect to draw women from across North America and Europe to compete. It gives Americans a chance to see first hand who will represent the United States next summer in Beijing.”

One of the many great attributes of the Classic is that it is a home grown event. As Sperry explains, "the Mt. Hood Cycling Classic has grown far more rapidly than any other race on the pro circuit, far surpassing events that have been in existence 2 and 3 times longer than we have. We feel strongly that this success is in large part due to the overwhelming natural beauty of the area, the spectacular roads and venues, and the tremendous community support."

Organizers have shared the success of the race with the community by advancing bike safety, health and fitness. "The Pros in Schools Program has been huge. I have already had a number of pro teams asking if they can participate again in 2008. Having these accomplished athletes talk to kids about bike safety, helmets, health and fitness, and working to accomplish personal goals is a positive message," says Sperry. “We want to broaden these programs and, as the race continues to grow, we intend to pursue more ways to give back to the community.”

The race will return on May 13, 2008, and rumor has it that it will add to the already challenging terrain with a visit (or two) to the City of Portland, which has been recently touted in the media as one of, if not the most, cycling friendly communities in the country. It seems that the Mt. Hood Cycling Classic has found the right combination of beautiful venues, challenging terrain, top notch competition, and community involvement.