May 6, 2004 – Ten junior riders have now qualified for the fourth annual Junior Pro Cycling Tour to be held Sunday, June 6, as part of the Wachovia USPRO Championship, now celebrating its 20th year in Philadelphia.
The junior event qualifier was hosted by Quaker City Wheelmen, Pennsylvania, as part of the QCW Memorial Hall Criterium held May 2, sponsored in part by GlaxoSmithKline.
The five new 18 and under qualifiers are, Gabriel Epstein, CC, Evesham, accomplished sprinter, Ben Barczyewski, East Coast Velo, Shane Kline, Salamander Racing, Bally, PA 15, Mike Schnabel, East Coast Velo, Emmaus, PA, 16, and Taylor Brown, Tri-State Velo, Fleetwood, PA, 16
Ten spots now wait to be filled through the top five finishers of the remaining qualifying races that include: May 22, 23 Tour of Connecticut, juniors@spartacycling.com and the Lance Armstrong Time Trial, on June 5th, info@tristatevelo.com
The 20 junior finalists will race on June 6 in the third annual Junior PCT Grand Prix on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway after the finish of the women's Wachovia Liberty Classic and approximately on lap six of the Wachovia USPRO Championship. The 5-mile race is comprised of 3.5 laps between Eakins Oval and Logan Circle with three finish line sprints for points. The Juniors will be awarded prizes valuing $1,000, one of the biggest junior purses for the season.
GlaxoSmithKline continues their support of cycling and the Wachovia Cycling Series by sponsoring two big events on race weekend: The first annual “GlaxoSmithKline Legend's Luncheon” on Saturday June 5 at the Wyndham Franklin Plaza Hotel and the “GlaxoSmithKline Family Fun Ride” on Sunday morning June 6.
The GlaxoSmithKline Legend's Luncheon will benefit the Nicole Reinhart Foundation and feature a lively discussion among many of America's top cyclists and past winners of the USPRO Championship. For information and tickets, contact Kristen Reiss: 610-676-0390 ext. 106.
The GSK Family Fun Ride is a unique opportunity for recreational cyclists to ride a lap of the Championship race course at 7AM before the pros hit the streets. The ride is to benefit the American Diabetes Association. For further information call 888-DIABETES (342-2383).