May 20, 2010 – Chico Racing is very excited to announce two-time Olympian, Seamus McGrath’s participation at Crank the Shield, September 17-19, 2010. An Ontario native, McGrath brings a wealth of mountain bike racing knowledge – and also has a serious shot at winning the 3-day 235 km odyssey through Ontario’s cottage country.

“I’m thrilled to have a world class Canadian rider like Seamus at Crank the Shield this year. He and I raced together 15 years ago – so to see the success he has had over the years, and then to be a part of this event is just fantastic.” expressed Adam Ruppel, of Chico Racing.

In addition to participating in the Ontario’s only mountain bike stage race, riders will now also get to enjoy racing, and traveling alongside a Canadian mountain bike legend.

Seamus McGrath grew up on bikes and started racing mountain bikes in 1991. He has been racing professionally since 1995. In that time he has competed for Canada twice at the Olympic Games, won two Commonwealth Games medals, made appearances on World Cup podiums and won several 7-day endurance races, including the 2009 BC Bike Race. He has been on the Canadian national team 14 times. He has also competed with the national team on the road in Asia and Europe.

Crank The Shield is already 70% sold out with limited spots still remaining. For more information on Crank the Shield log onto www.cranktheshield.com .