March 9, 2011 (Barrie, ON) — Triathlon and Ironman pioneer Graham Fraser is coming home to the Niagara Region and bringing his new cycling event series to St. Catharines and the surrounding area. Centurion Cycling will launch Centurion Niagara with a preview ride this July, followed by a full weekend of cycling events July 6-8, 2012.

The Centurion Cycling event series, which debuted in Collingwood, Ontario and in Wisconsin in 2010, includes something for all levels of rider — a 25-mile/40 km and Kid’s Ride on Saturday, and 50-mile/80 km and 100-mile/160 km rides on Sunday. The Niagara event will also feature a Friday evening criterium race through downtown St. Catharines, finishing with a community and celebrity event in Montebello Park.

“Cycling is amazing in that all age and ability levels can participate. It is all inclusive, and we’ve created a world-class environment where everyone benefits,” said Fraser, talking about the vision for the event.

Centurion has been enthusiastically welcomed by the city of St. Catharines, Twenty Valley, Brock University, the Niagara Sports Commission along with both the Grape Growers and Wine Council of Ontario. “St. Catharines welcomes the opportunity to partner with Centurion and host this high-calibre sporting event,” said Mayor Brian McMullan. “Centurion Niagara will have passionate novice, intermediate and competitive cyclists exploring some of the breathtaking landscapes in this region. This event will also support local charities while showcasing our wineries and restaurants.”

Once again, the Ontario Cycling Association will sanction and partner with Centurion on the Niagara event. As part of the Centurion Cycling Foundation program, top junior competitive cyclists are supported with high-quality racing bikes, gear and other sponsorship benefits. “This program which began in 2010 will give select young road athletes a significant boost as they develop skills and build fitness competing in our youth series “ said OCA Executive Director Jim Crosscombe.

In support of the hundreds of community groups in the St. Catharines and surrounding areas, Centurion will provide a fund raising opportunity within a high-quality turnkey event. Centurion will provide community groups and charities with a ‘team tent’ and through our electronic and print media program a platform to recruit riders and supporters.

The 25 mile/40 km and kid’s race will take place in and around the grounds of Brock University, offering a family and new cyclist a top quality event that is approachable for all riders. The 25 ride will also be the ride that will be the focus for the Charity Challenge riders.

Race courses will travel through the beautiful wine country and include areas like Effingham Hill, Ball’s Falls and Twelve Mile Creek. Fraser, who grew up cycling in the area, expects the courses to suit the passionate cyclist – an athlete who enjoys a challenge but also enjoys the beauty of the ride. “ ……..” said Fraser.

Centurion Niagara brings Fraser full circle from his days developing the Niagara Triathlon in 1986. Building that into the world’s largest triathlon series, which still exists as the Subaru Triathlon Series, Fraser then moved on to build eight Ironman triathlon events in North America. Fraser is now focused on growing cycling through his Centurion Cycling series, and brings with him long standing sponsors like Subaru, Cervelo, Gatorade, Timex and Powerbar.

Once they are finished on the course, all riders will be welcomed back with an exciting expo, featuring event sponsors and local specialties, entertainment and a finish-line festival complete with food and drink, live entertainment and an expansive vendor expo.

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