Originally published online at:

http://www.univestgrandprix.com/news/2010_top_field.html

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE — September 7, 2010

Univest Grand Prix 2010 Pits Top Americans Against Tough International Field, Challenging New Course

Bissell Pro Cycling, United Healthcare, Lead American Contingent, Powerful Amore & Vita Looking to Repeat 2009 Sweep

Souderton, Pa. – Top North American cycling teams are coming to the Univest Grand Prix on Sept 11-12 to face a strong contingent of rising international stars and a tough and technical new race course in Souderton, Pa.

Italy’s Amore & Vita team, with Ukranians Volodymyr Starchyk and Yuri Metlushenko – winners of the 2009 Souderton and Doylestown races, respectively – and Spidertech powered by Planet Energy’s Lucas Euser, the 2008 winner in Souderton are among the cyclists returning to challenge a strong roster of international teams. Saturday’s UCI 1.2 race is the final stop on the UCI America Tour Calendar and also part of the USA Cycling Pro Tour calendar.

The weekend kicks off with the redesigned racecourse in Souderton that includes 11 laps on a 5.8-mile loop over the roller-coaster roads of Souderton, Franconia and Telford followed by five finishing laps on a 3.8-mile course in Souderton. Spectator appeal was at the heart of the course redesign, and with its many turns, long straightaway and hilly stretches, the new racing format promises excitement, constant action and a strong winner.

“We are delighted to have Dutch amateur road champion Peter van Agtmaal, Swedish U23 and Elite Criterium Champion Jonas Ahlstrand, and a very talented and accomplished field led by Australian Rory Sutherland of United Healthcare, and Americans Ben Jacques-Maynes of Bissell Pro Cycling and Scott Zwizanski of Kelly Benefits Strategies – who are all ranked in the top 10 on the National Racing Calendar series,” said race promoter John Eustice, president of Sparta Cycling Inc. “It’s the type of field that will really entertain the fans and demonstrate that the Univest Grand Prix continues to one of the most hard fought and exciting races of the year.”

The Amore & Vita team is returning to the Univest Grand Prix in 2010 looking to repeat last year’s sweep of all the stages and final classification. But they will face tougher competition this year from North American UCI Continental teams including — United Healthcare, Jamis Sutter Home/Colavita, Kelly Benefits Strategies, Bissell Pro Cycling and team Spidertech powered by Planet Energy.

International Elite Teams include Sweden’s Cykelcity, overall winners in 2008, Global Cycling Promotion Team from Holland, and Team New Zealand Pro Racing. Other Elite teams include Bikyle Mazur Coaching, Jet Fuel and Team Tour de Quebec, all from Canada; and Team New Zealand Pro Cycling.

Domestic Elite Teams include Team CCNS, Metlife presented by GroSolar, Team Hotel San Jose/Juwi Solar, Hagens Berman LLP Cycling Team, CCB Racing, CRCA Foundation, Axa Equitable, Battley Harley-Davidson, Alliance Environmental, Champion System Racing/Cycle Gladiator Wines, PA Lightning, Haymarket Bicycles and Bikereg.com/Cannondale.

With 16 laps to choose from, fans will have more opportunities to experience the course from various vantage points, such as the Wile Avenue hill or the Family Fun Zone area at Univest Plaza with its twice-a-lap views of the competition. Spectators will have the opportunity to take shuttles to various points along the course, before returning to the finish line for the dramatic conclusion of North America’s most prestigious pro/am bicycle race.

This year marks the seventh anniversary of the Doylestown criterium, which offers 50 miles of fast-paced, circuit-style racing on a 1.4-mile course. In addition to the professional race, the Doylestown Business and Community Alliance will once again hold the Doylestown Arts Festival. The race route will showcase the festival by providing spectators and attendees an opportunity to watch the race while enjoying the work of local artists.

Saturday’s road race will be broadcast live on WNPV-1440 AM radio and on WFMZ-69 television and www.wfmz.com

For More Information

About the Univest Grand Prix

From its inception, the Univest Grand Prix has united the towns throughout Bucks and Montgomery counties for a weekend of community celebration while offering a unique showcase for the best young talent in cycling. The pro event is presented by Univest Corporation of Pennsylvania, Leidy’s Premium Pork Products, WFMZ-69, and Comcast SportsNet. For more information visit www.univestgrandprix.com.