March 17, 2007 – Cycling British Columbia is pleased to announce that it has reached agreement with the Vancouver Island Mountain Bike Association and FloraGLO Lutein for the sanctioning and sponsorship of the Vancouver Island Mountain Bike Series.

The Island Series includes 9 cross country races and 6 down hill competitions starting with a Super D Races on March 18th and concluding with a Marathon Cross Country races on June 23rd in Cumberland. As a part of the agreement FloraGLO Lutein has agreed to expand their current sponsorship existing agreement, which included title sponsorship of the FloraGLO BC Cup Road Series, to include presenting sponsorship of the FloraGLO Island Series.

Cross Country

– April 8 – Victoria, XC – TT
– April 22 – Parksville, XC
– April 29 – Nanaimo, XC
– May 6 – Duncan, XC
– May 13 – Cumberland, XC
– May 27 – Campbell River, XC – Marathon
– June 9 – Port Alice, XC
– June 17 – Port alberni, XC
– June 23 — Cumberland, XC — M12hr

Down Hill

– March 18 – Nanaimo, Super D
– April 15 – Nanaimo, DH
– May 6 – Parksville, DH
– May 20 – Port Alberni, DH
– June 3 – Cumberland, DH
– June 10 – Port Alice, DH

Cycling BC’s Chief Executive Officer, Keith Ryan, stated, “our association is delighted that we have been able to provide financial support to the Island Series and the Vancouver Island Mountain Bike Association through our strong relationship with Alliance Ingredients and the FloraGLO Lutein brand of products.” He also noted the achievements of the Island’s Mountain Bike Community, “the off road community on Vancouver Island have organized a great series of downhill and cross country races and we are grateful to them for allowing us to be part of their success.”

Vancouver Island Mountain Bike Association
The Vancouver Island Mountain Bike Association is an association of Mountain Bike Clubs and Race Organizers located throughout Vancouver Island.

FloraGLO Lutein
Lutein (pronounced LOO-teen) is a carotenoid – a pigment compound – found in leafy green vegetables, like spinach, kale and broccoli. Lutein is also present in eggs and in corn. Lutein is an antioxidant, helping to reduce harmful free radicals that can occur in cells and may contribute to cell damage while training and racing.

Cycling BC
Cycling BC is the provincial governing body for the sport of Cycling in British Columbia, representing a range of disciplines, including Road, Track and Cyclo-cross, Mountain Biking and BMX. Cycling BC has over 2000 licensed members and 3000 club members active in competitve cycling.