March 10, 2004 – Some of the nation's fastest and most successful professional bicycle racers are set to compete at the Second Annual South Carolina Heritage Cycling Series (Heritage Series) on April 28-29, 2004. The exciting, fast-paced action will take place in downtown Walterboro, SC on April 28th at 6:30pm and downtown Greenwood, SC at the same time the following evening. More than 100 of the nation's top professionals and amateurs are expected to line up for the $20,000 purse that is up for grabs for the entire series.
“We are very pleased to be continuing with our second year of the Heritage Series,” said Rich Hincapie, President of Hincapie Sports, LLC and promoter of the event. Last year was very successful with several thousand spectators and participants attending the entire four race series. The 2004 Heritage Series will occur the week after the Tour of Georgia, which is expected to be the largest professional bicycle race in North America. This is certain to insure a great turn out by spectators and participants alike.
Bicycle races can be a great way to draw participants and spectators to a town's downtown area. The 2003 Heritage Series races in Walterboro, SC and Greenwood, SC attracted thousands of participants and spectators to the cities' downtown areas. These area visitors made a very positive impact on the local economy by staying in hotels, eating in restaurants, shopping and attending area cultural events. These positive experiences can also promote return visits in the future.
The 2004 Heritage Series is comprised of two Criteriums that will wind through the downtowns of Walterboro and Greenwood. A Criterium is defined as a multi-lap race on a closed course, typically less than one mile long. This uniquely American bicycle racing discipline has bred a special type of cyclist' one who must demonstrate superior top speed and bike handling skills and has been referred to as America's contribution to bicycle racing. Each 50 mile race will feature over 100 professional and top amateur cyclists from around the world in some exciting, fast-paced action. Spectators can expect to see a field peppered with Olympians, Commonwealth Games participants and World title contenders from the United States, Canada, Mexico, Guatemala, Australia and New Zealand.
With the Olympic Trials coming up in June, this year's start list is expected to include many riders that are hoping to make the US Olympic Team and represent their country at the 2004 Summer Olympic Games in Athens, Greece. This should help ensure a terrific rider turnout and keep the competition close.
The Heritage Series has been developed by Hincapie Sports in conjunction with the South Carolina Heritage Corridor and the South Carolina Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism and is designed to showcase the state's historic Heritage Corridor which extends from the mountains in the northwest to the Atlantic Ocean. For more than a decade, the area has been recognized as a world-class training ground for professional road cyclists and mountain biking teams. Currently, U.S. Postal Service Team Member, George Hincapie resides and trains in Greenville, SC.