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Money woes force postponement of Oregon Pro Cycling Classic

by VeloNews.com

• January 28, 2009
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Rory Sutherland en route to victory in the 2008 Mt. Hood Cycling Classic.

Photo: Casey B. Gibson (file)

The Oregon Pro Cycling Classic will be a little late getting to the start line — the 500-mile, seven-day race is being postponed to 2010 after organizers were unable to secure a title sponsor and the necessary money to run the event this year.

The National Racing Calendar event had been scheduled for May 11-17, kicking off with a prologue in Portland and stage finishes in Salem, Corvallis, Timberline Lodge, Hood River and Mt. Hood Meadows before returning to Portland for a concluding circuit race.

USA Cycling communications director Andy Lee said there are no plans to fill the OPCC’s spot on the NRC with another event.

“We are very disappointed to have to delay the debut of the Oregon Pro Cycling Classic, but given the current economic crisis the country is facing, funding has rapidly disappeared,” said executive director Chad Sperry.

“We have such a great opportunity in this state to host an amazing race on some of the most spectacular and challenging roads in the country. It is our hope that next year, this event will blow both riders and fans away.”

Added Kenji Sugahara, executive director of the Oregon Bicycle Racing Association: “While disappointed, I understand the difficulty that promoters are facing in the current economic conditions. I know that Chad has put in an extraordinary amount of time and effort, and I am looking forward to an exciting race in 2010.”

The good news is that the OPCC’s predecessor, the Mt. Hood Cycling Classic, will continue this year. The seventh edition is slated for June 3-7.

Last year’s race was won by Rory Sutherland (Health Net-Maxxis) and Julie Beveridge (Aaron’s).

“While we are disappointed that we are unable to be on the NRC and UCI calendars this year, we feel fortunate that, due to our local sponsors and community support, we will still have a top-notch event in 2009 with the Mt. Hood Cycling Classic. We remain optimistic and will strive to be back on the NRC in 2010,” said Sperry.

For more info on Mt. Hood, see www.mthoodcyclingclassic.com.