Dec. 13, 2004 — Renowned cyclist and television commentator Bob Roll will give his insights into professional cycling, the Tour de France, and Americans in Europe when he comes to the Upper Midwest for a celebration of regional cycling on Sunday, Jan. 30.

Roll, a member of the Cycling Hall of Fame and America’s first professional cycling team, 7-Eleven, has become well known for his often animated and colorful commentary covering European professional cycling events, include the Tour de France, over the past few years on the Outdoor Life Network. Having raced the two biggest 3-week tours — the Tour de France and the Giro d’Italia — and some of the biggest one-day races in the world, Roll has keen insight to what it takes to race tactically and physically, and he speaks his mind about most issues involving cycling.

Roll also is author of three books on cycling, including the recently released Tour de France Companion.

Hosted by the Minnesota Cycling Federation and the Great River Energy Bicycle Festival, Roll will be apart of an evening of cycling that will include dinner and the presentation of awards for some of the top amateur riders in the region.

While in town, Roll also will announce the 2005 route, including new host cities, for the Nature Valley Grand Prix, the professional stage race of the Great River Energy Bicycle Festival.

The event will be at The Metropolitan, an alluring special event facility located on Wayzata Boulevard just off Interstate 394 just west of downtown Minneapolis. Tickets are $38 and include a 5-course dinner. A vegetarian option is available. Reservations can also be made for tables of 10 and are available on a first-come, first-served basis. A reception with cash bar will precede the dinner and speaker. A limited number of tickets are available. For tickets to the evening with Bob Roll, contact James Lockwood of the Minnesota Cycling Federation at lockwoodjg@yahoo.com or (651) 340-4875. Checks should be made out to the Minnesota Cycling Federation and can be sent to James Lockwood, 728 Montana Ave. E., St. Paul, MN 55106.