TREXLERTOWN, Pa. – Professional bike racers from around the world compete in T-town.
This Friday night, working professionals from around the Lehigh Valley are strapping into the bikes and competing.
The 17th annual Rodale Corporate Challenge is the next event in the 2016 World Series of Bicycling. Nine teams from local businesses are set to compete in an Italian Pursuit, the feature attraction of the Friday night action.
B.Braun, Computer Aid, Valley Preferred, Rodale, Air Products, Buckeye Partners, and Coordinated Health are the corporations which are being represented under the bright lights on race night. Valley Preferred and Rodale are submitting two teams into the competition.
Team Bicycling, one of the Rodale entries, is the defending champion. One of the two Valley Preferred entries finished second a year ago.
“The Rodale Corporate Challenge is a very fun night here,” VPCC Executive Director Marty Nothstein said. “These teams train for weeks and it is great to see their hard work pay off. Plus, it is a great sight to see all of the friends, family, and co-workers of those riders come out to the track and cheer them on. It creates a great atmosphere.”
In addition to the Rodale Corporate Challenge, there is professional men and women’s racing on the schedule as well. Highlighting the men’s program is a one-mile track record attempt. The current record is 1:40.26, which is held by Dylan Kennett of New Zealand.
Off the track, there is a putt for Bud Light prizes contest during the 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. happy hour in the plaza. Balanced Body massages and Bicycling Access are also in the plaza, among other vendors.
With three weeks, including Friday night’s action, left in the World Series of Bicycling season, the Univest Rider of the Year competition is heating up. Matt Rotherham of Great Britain is leading the men’s battle with 24 points as he holds an 11-point lead over Stephen Hall of Australia, the next rider in the standings who is still competing in T-town. Missy Erickson of Mertzown, Pennsylvania took over the top spot in the women’s standings from Racquel Sheath of New Zealand as the 2016 U.S. Olympic Long Team member has 17 points.
Tickets for Friday night start at $5. Children 12 years and younger receive free admission with a paying, accompanying adult. Gates open at 6 p.m. with racing beginning at 7:30 p.m.
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Tyler Trumbauer
PR/Communications Assistant
Valley Preferred Cycling Center
