March 9, 2006 – Three-time World Champion and Tour de France winner Greg LeMond has accepted the role as honorary ride director for the inaugural BriarRose Grand Peloton this April. The BriarRose Grand Peloton will be held in conjuction with the final stage of the Ford Tour de Georgia for recreational cyclists, with proceeds benefiting the Georgia Cancer Coalition.

LeMond gained international prominence as the first American cyclist to win the Tour de France (1986) and the first cyclist named Sportsman of the Year by Sports Illustrated (1989). Greg went on to win the Tour de France twice more in 1989 and 1990 despite being accidentally shot in a hunting accident in 1987. After retiring in 1994 due to physical problems brought on by mitochondrial myopathy, a result of still carrying lead shot in his body, LeMond went on to design frames for his own bicycle company, LeMond Racing Cycles. The successful LeMond Bicycles brand, now part of Trek Bicycles, is an official Supplier for the Ford Tour de Georgia and BriarRose Grand Peloton. As part of the weeks festivities, LeMond will also be introducing his all new Triomphe’ series of full carbon bicycles to the press and public.

Details about the inaugural BriarRose Grand Peloton were announced by Ford Tour de Georgia organizers as part of its Media Tour in Cumming, the location of the Stage 6 start on April 23. This “ride of a lifetime” will allow 400 recreational cyclists to pedal the final 25-mile section of Stage 6 on the final day of the Tour from Cumming, Ga. to Alpharetta, Ga.

“We are privileged to partner with The BriarRose community and LEJ Sports in creating such a meaningful fundraising platform for the Georgia Cancer Coalition. Having Greg LeMond lend his support in our “˜race to defeat cancer’ makes this very rewarding for all the participants in the Grand Peloton. Not only do they have the unique opportunity to ride the same course as the pros, but they get to interact with a Tour de France champion and some special Team Captains, and at the same time get to achieve a significant personal goal for those touched by cancer,” said Chris Aronhalt, managing partner of Medalist Sports, the sports marketing agency licensed to operate the Ford Tour de Georgia.

To participate in The BriarRose Grand Peloton, each participant will be required to raise a minimum of $500, with an incentive program to reach higher levels, including recognition of the top five fundraisers during the Tour’s official awards ceremony. All net proceeds raised by participants will go directly to the Georgia Cancer Coalition. Entries into the inaugural BriarRose Grand Peloton are provided to the first 400 applicants. The BriarRose Grand Peloton participants not only receive limited-edition jerseys provided by Hincapie Sportswear, but also a police escort on the finishing circuit in Alpharetta, just hours before the pros cross the finish line.

Each participant will be placed on one of three groups, or pelotons, guided by a celebrity team captain, all former U.S. national champion cyclists. The Red Team will be led by Norman Alvis, member of the 1988 Olympic team in Seoul, Korea; the White Team will be led by Mari Holden, a five-time women’s national champion; and the Blue Team will be led by Steve Hegg, a 1984 Olympic gold medalist.

“I am truly looking forward to riding with The BriarRose Grand Peloton during the Ford Tour de Georgia. I am excited to be able to help raise funds for such an important issue. My family has a history of breast cancer and after dealing with my Mom’s fight with the disease, I feel extra committed to doing anything I can to raise awareness and find a cure,” added Holden.

Participants will have until April 14 to reach their fundraising goals, and will be hosted at an exclusive dinner on Saturday, April 22, the night before the ride, where they meet LeMond and their Team Captains. At the conclusion of the ride on April 23, all participants of the BriarRose Grand Peloton will be treated to a VIP viewing area and special hospitality for the finish of the Ford Tour de Georgia.

The BriarRose is a country estate and club community located between Atlanta and Augusta, Georgia. More information about the BriarRose Grand Peloton and the Georgia Cancer Coalition is available at the official Ford Tour de Georgia website (www.fordtourdegeorgia.com). Registration is available at active.com, or call LEJ Sports at to 770.641.7519. An official fundraising packet will be sent upon completion of application.