Press Release - Iron Cross III
Drivers Wanted: Volkswagen Expands Sponsorship of USA's Longest Cyclocross Race
The South Central PA Volkswagen Dealers have renewed and expanded their commitment as the title sponsor of the 2005 Volkswagen Iron Cross III race weekend to be held October 15-16 in Michaux State Forest. Attracted to the unique nature of Iron Cross, the nation's longest cyclocross race, Volkswagen is proud to be the exclusive vehicle supplier for this year's edition of the event. Says Volkswagen's Scott Ortenzio, General manager of H.A. Boyd Volkswagen in Lebanon, Pennsylvania, "We are very excited to be associated with this event. Volkswagen products are a perfect fit for active people who enjoy outdoor sports. I hope we can continue this relationship for many years."
With some of the most eco-friendly vehicles on the planet, such as the Volkswagen Jetta Diesel, which can take you the whole way around the Iron Cross course on one gallon of gas, and the Touareg, Volkswagen's highly acclaimed SUV which could provide a far more comfortable ride around Iron Cross's 100K of challenging terrain than what the riders will most likely experience, Volkswagen makes a perfect sponsor for the 2005 Iron Cross III race weekend.
"I'm not sure how racers will shoulder a Jetta on the long run-ups and if the Touaregs can fit between some of the trees, but it is wonderful that Volkswagen has chosen to be the official vehicle of our event" noted Volkswagen Iron Cross race promoter Brett Weiser. "Volkswagen's participation will greatly enhance our race and allow us to offer more to the racers in terms of the prize list, swag, and food for all participants. Basically, we can now put together the most unique cyclocross race weekend in the country!"
Inspired by England's legendary "Three Peaks" race, the Volkswagen Iron Cross is a 60+ mile single lap race made up of all that makes 'cross great, but in an "extended play" format. Cyclocross, also known as the "steeplechase of bike racing" is a fall and winter sport that is tremendously popular in Europe and is rapidly gaining popularity in the U.S. due to its spectator-friendliness and challenge to the fitness and bike handling skills of its racers. This year's Iron Cross race has already attracted registered racers from throughout the Mid-Atlantic, Colorado, Kansas, Michigan, and Texas.
In addition to the "big"
bicycle race, this year's race weekend has been expanded to include the demanding
Iron Cross Country Trail Run (15 or 30 km in and around Pine Grove Furnace State
Park) and Iron Cross Lite, a traditional cyclocross race that will be, for the
first time ever, part of the Mid-Atlantic Bicycle Racing Association 'cross
series.
"We are thrilled to be part of the MABRA 'cross series", says race
organizer Mark Laser. "This is the first MABRA race that has been held
north of the Mson-Dixon line and we want to put on a great event for the riders
and spectators."
Overnight race accommodations are available at the Carlisle Family YMCA's Camp Thompson, which is the start/finish location for the weekend's events. Food, provided by Memphis Blues Restaurant and music and race announcing by DJ Chris Mayhew will enliven the start/finish area. Detailed race information can be found at www.highspeedcycling.com. The Volkswagen Iron Cross III race weekend is a fundraiser for the Carlisle Family YMCA.
For more information on the South Central PA Volkswagen Dealers and the complete range of Volkswagen vehicles please visit www.VWPA.com or stop by one of these dealer's showrooms: Autohaus Lancaster, Lancaster, PA; CVM Volkswagen, Mechanicsburg, PA; H.A. Boyd Volkswagen, Lebanon, PA; Victory Volkswagen, Harrisburg, PA; York Volkswagen, York, PA.
Additional race sponsors include Accelerade, Dirt Rag Magazine, Green Mountain Coffee Roasters, and Dr. Drew Wellmon, II.