June 1, 2006 “” Lincoln Mercury has committed to supplying 27 vehicles as part of their agreement with Pro Cycling Tour to step in as the Official Vehicle Sponsor of the Commerce Bank Triple Crown of Cycling. These cars will be used in all facets of running the event as well as highlighting Lincoln Mercury’s most exciting new offerings as lead and support vehicles during the actual races.

“We are excited about this sponsorship and the increased exposure for the new line up of Mercury vehicles. In past years, Mercury was heavily involved with the Pro Cycling Tour and sponsored a successful cycling team. In turn, we feel we have a positive amount of equity with cycling enthusiasts. This event will also provide the Philadelphia Lincoln Mercury dealers a strategic promotional opportunity to expose the brand at a local level,” according to Ken Toscano, Chairman of the Philadelphia Lincoln Mercury Dealer Association.

In addition to supplying vehicles during the week long event, Lincoln Mercury will add extra incentive for the professional men chasing the Commerce Bank Triple Crown Overall Title. In addition to their cash prize the rider with the most points accumulated in the Pro Men’s category after the three events will drive away in a new Mercury Mariner Hybrid SUV.

The Mercury Mariner Hybrid will also be leading out the riders during the weeks races as the Official Lead Vehicle and has been getting high marks within the automotive industry. The Green Car Journal awarded the Mercury Mariner Hybrid the “2006 Green Car of the Year” and ForbsAuto.com gave the Mariner Hybrid props with “Best Compact SUV-2006″.

This new “green” SUV boasts an impressive 33 miles to the gallon and answers the environmentally minded cyclists call for a hybrid that is big enough to accommodate their extra gear and efficient enough to get them from doorstep to meeting point without the need to refuel. The Mercury Mariner Hybrid will certainly not need a pit stop for a fill up during the 156 mile Commerce Bank Philadelphia International Challenge.

In addition to the lead car, the entire race caravan will be comprised of a mix of Lincoln and Mercury vehicles. This caravan will include all the vehicles carrying official press and VIP’s as well as the race support vehicles witch will provide mobile mechanical and medical assistance to riders as they may need it during the course of the competition. Put all of these Lincoln and Mercury vehicles together with some of the best athletes in the world and you are left with an impressive mix of power and precision.

In the spirit of cycling, Lincoln Mercury will also be offering a free Fuji Hybrid Bicycle with every purchase or lease of a Mercury Mountaineer through June 30th. Anyone interested in checking out Lincoln Mercury’s new lineup should look for their booth in the expo areas of the three Commerce Bank Triple Crown of Cycling events in Lancaster on June 4th, Reading on June 8th and Philadelphia on June 11th.