Contact:
Sharon Kraun
678.468.0064
For Immediate Release
Ride and Dine as Sandy Springs Cycling Challenge Adds Food and Wine
Fifth Annual Global Imports Sandy Springs Cycling Challenge Expands With Food and Wine Classic
Release Date: 4/30/2012
SANDY SPRINGS (April 30, 2012) — Cycling fans will enjoy a new spin added to the 5th Annual Global Imports Sandy Springs Cycling Challenge to be held on Sunday, May 6. In addition to hosting the Finale of the Southeast Crits Series, “Speed Week,” the Challenge also makes room for the arrival of the Sandy Springs Food And Wine Classic, providing spectators with a sampling of 25 Sandy Springs restaurant favorites.
“The two events pair well together. The pro cyclists race around and around a block area with spectators watching along the .6 mile course. Onlookers now have the opportunity to sample and sip the best of food and wine from local restaurants. It’s a full day of action and great food for the entire family,” said Sandy Springs Councilwoman Dianne Fries who is also the event organizer.
The Global Imports Cycling Challenge caps nine days of intense racing taking place in seven southeast cities beginning in Athens, GA and culminating in Sandy Springs. The top men’s and women’s professional elite teams are competing for $150,000 in prizes. The local course has earned the city the nickname, “Mount Sandy Springs,” for the hill that peaks at the start and finish line on Sandy Springs Circle.
“As part of the National Criterium Calendar, the race attracts higher level riders,” adds Gene Dixon, an event director for Swagger.us which is the series producer for Speed Week. “Bike racing is engaging, and the Sandy Springs finale is exciting; however, the more things that are going on, the more of an experience it becomes. The addition of the food and wine event elevates the entire experience.”
There is no admission fee to attend the day’s activities. Food and wine sampling tickets will be sold at $1.00 per ticket with proceeds from the event benefitting Sandy Springs Police and Fire Departments.
In addition to the Global Imports Sandy Springs Cycling Challenge, the City will host the Northside Hospital Challenge Ride featuring 20-40-62 mile rides. Registration begins at 7:30 a.m. with the rides beginning at 8:30 a.m. The Sandy Springs Police and Fire Departments square off in a friendly cycling competition at 3:30 p.m.
For more information, please visit us online at www.sandyspringsga.gov, or call the Citizen Response Center at 770-730-5600. Follow breaking news and traffic alerts at twitter.com/sandyspringsga, and “like us” at facebook.com/CoSSGA for community information.
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