May 4, 2005 (West Chester, Pennsylvania) — The West Chester Cycling Classic, LLC., a subsidiary of the Chamber of Commerce of Greater West Chester, is proud to announce that professional cycling is coming to the historic streets of West Chester. On Saturday, June 11, 2005, the Iron Hill Twilight Criterium will make its grand debut. “Now is the perfect time to bring this unique event to West Chester with America’s enthusiasm for cycling as a spectator sport continuing to grow thanks to the success of Lance Armstrong, the six time winner of the Tour de France,” says Tim Phelps, president of the Chamber of Commerce of Greater West Chester.

Iron Hill Brewery & Restaurant will be the Title Sponsor for this inaugural cycling event. “Iron Hill Brewery & Restaurant is very excited and proud to help bring this professional sporting event to West Chester! We are delighted to be part of the growing and changing face of West Chester,” says Kevin Finn, President of Iron Hill.

Downtown West Chester presents an ideal venue with narrow streets and historical architecture reminiscent of the European roots of cycling. Tight cornering and fast straight-aways are the ingredients for an exciting criterium race. The Iron Hill Twilight Criterium will consist of 52-laps, for 45-miles, on a short (0.9 mile) course through city streets. The premier, Pro Men’s Criterium promises non-stop action as the pack of riders roar by at 35 mph. For all races the start/finish will be in front of Iron Hill Brewery & Restaurant, at the intersection of High and Gay Streets.

More than 125 pro riders and their teams from the top professional men’s national and international teams are expected. Included in the lineup will be members of Lance Armstrong’s new Discovery Channel team. Over 75 Elite Women Riders will also race the challenging course. Racing will occur rain or shine.

In its usual stellar mode of entertaining, West Chester will turn this pro cycling event into a weekend-long, family festival. Phelps explains, “With our award-winning restaurants, galleries and unique shops””all within the walking, downtown district””West Chester continues to be “the” destination place as voted by Main Line Today Magazine and Philadelphia Magazine.” Other Saturday races include kids races for children between three and fourteen, amateur races, a Health & Fitness Expo, along with family-oriented, Community Bike Rides on Sunday at Hoopes Park, hosted by the West Chester Cycling Club.

For further information visit www.ironhilltwilightcriterium.com or call 610-696-4046.

Since 1915, the Chamber of Commerce of Greater West Chester has been a membership based organization that promotes and advocates for businesses in West Chester, East Goshen, West Goshen, Birmingham, Thornbury (Chester County), East Bradford, Westtown and anyone who has a marketing interest within the community. From marketing opportunities to business networking, the Chamber of Commerce of Greater West Chester can help you grow your business. For more information about membership privileges, log onto www.GreaterWestChester.com.

The West Chester Cycling Classic is a subsidiary of the Chamber of Commerce of Greater West Chester.

2005 Iron Hill Twilight Criterium Event Schedule

Saturday June 11, 2005

Health & Fitness Expo
All community members welcome
Wachovia Parking Lot on Gay Street between Walnut and High Streets
1:00-7:00 p.m.

Master Men’s Criterium
Highly competitive USCF licensed master’s riders 35+
Start/Finish at intersection of Gay and High Streets
1:15 p.m.

Junior Amateur Criterium
Up and coming next generation of elite racers USCF licensed riders age 15-18
Start/Finish at intersection of Gay and High Streets
2:10 p.m.

Amateur Men’s Criterium
Intermediate and advanced USCF licensed riders category 3 and 4
Start/Finish at intersection of Gay and High Streets
3:05 p.m.

Kid’s Criterium
Races for children, age 3-14
Main straight-away, intersection of Gay and High streets
4:00 p.m.

Elite Women’s Criterium
Elite and advanced women USCF licensed riders category 1-3, including Olympic athletes and national champions
Start/Finish at intersection of Gay and High Streets
4:30 p.m.

Pro Men’s Criterium
Professional and USCF licensed category 1 and 2, including Olympic athletes and national champions
Start/Finish at intersection of Gay and High Streets
5:30 p.m.