Pacific Power agrees to sponsor June's Mt. Hood Cycling Classic

HOOD RIVER, Ore. -- This year’s Mt. Hood Cycling Classic, presented by Pacific Power, will take place Wednesday, June 3 through Sunday, June 7. Oregon’s top stage race, it draws professional riders from around the country who compete for $20,000 in cash and merchandise.

Last year, 500 riders participated and the race drew crowds of more than 15,000. The 2009 race features many of the traditional courses that have made the Mt. Hood Cycling Classic the toughest and most scenic race in the country and culminates with a new criterium in downtown Hood River.

2009 STAGES:
Panorama Point Prologue - Wednesday, June 3*
*Pro/1/2 Women, Pro/1/2 Men only
Stage 1: Cooper Spur Circuit Race - Thurs., June 4
Stage 2: Scenic Gorge Time Trial - Friday, June 5
Stage 3: Wy’East Road Race - Saturday, June 6
Stage 4: Hood River Criterium - Sunday, June 7

Not only is the Mt. Hood Cycling Classic a great chance for people to see a world-class race in their Pacific Northwest backyard, but cyclists of all ages and abilities can also get in on the action. New this year is the Tour de Hood, which runs June 6-7. This event offers recreational riders and the general public the chance to ride two of the same courses that challenge elite racers in the Mt. Hood Cycling Classic stage race: the legendary Wy’East professional course (90 miles) and the Scenic Gorge Time Trial course (42 miles). Riders can go at their own pace and receive full mechanical support, plus food and drinks, along the route. For complete information and registration, go to www.tourdehoodride.com.

Kicking off the Mt. Hood Cycling Classic on Sunday, May 31 is the Second Annual Mt. Hood Cycling Classic Kid's Race, presented by Mid Columbia Medical Center, in downtown The Dalles. Young riders from training wheels to 12 years old will take part in this fun criterium race. Registration opens at 1 p.m. on race day; the race begins at 3 p.m. The event is free. Free bike check and helmet fits will be provided and any child that does not have a helmet will be given one free by the MCMC trauma nurses.

The Mt. Hood Cycling Classic is open to amateur racers. Riders can register online or via mail. Standard registration ends May 20 at midnight. Riders registering after May 20 will pay an additional $25 and can register up to midnight on June 1.

CATEGORIES
* Pro/1/2 Men
* Masters Men 35+/45+
* Pro/1/2/3 Women
* CAT 3 Men
* CAT 4 Men
* CAT 3/4 Women