July 22, 2004 – Fred Rodriguez, the American cyclist who this spring won the ninth stage in the Giro d’Italia, shapes up as the top challenger to defending champion Marty Nothstein in the BMC Software New York City Cycling Championship set for Sunday, August 1, on the streets of Manhattan’s financial district.

Rodriguez, a member of the Italy-based Aqua y Sapone Cycling Team, narrowly missed a berth on the U.S. Olympic Team after capturing the U. S. National Road Cycling Championship as the first American finisher at the Wachovia USPRO Cycling Championship in Philadelphia. Rodriguez’s Giro d’Italia stage win is one of the greatest accomplishments of his career because the Giro d’ Italia is second only to the Tour de France in international cycling prestige.

Nothstein won the race last year, using his track-bred sprinting skills to out-duel several cyclists in the final yards. Nothstein is the 2004 Match Sprint Olympic Gold Medalist and he will be going to Athens this year to compete in the Kierin event. Nothstein’s ability to compete successfully in both track and road cycling events sets him apart from virtually all other world class riders.

Special Ticket Offer during Tour de FranceS

The BMC Software New York City Cycling Championship is offering a special discount offer during the Tour de France. VIP tickets to see Nothstein, Rodriguez, Athens Olympians and some of the top cyclists in the world racing through the streets of New York City are discounted from $125 to $99 beginning today until the Tour ends on Sunday.

The special pricing can be accessed by calling Chris Spaeth at Threshold Sports, 610 676 0390 ext. 113. The VIP tickets provide access to special hospitality areas at the start/finish line at the corner of Wall St. and Water St. in downtown Manhattan. The price includes food and beverage throughout the day.

The BMC Software New York City Cycling Championship is the fourth stop on the Pro Cycling Tour (PCT). The PCT is now in its sixth year and is the nation’s only all professional road cycling races featuring world-class athletes. This year’s event will be broadcast live on WABC-TV from 12 to 3 p.m.