Bobby Julich, whose career included a third-place in the 1998 Tour de France and a bronze medal at the 2004 Olympics, will be the celebrity leader for the 2009 Univest Cyclosportif 100K on Saturday, September 12. On the morning of the Univest GP pro race, amateur cyclists will enjoy the company of the former professional, who is happy to participate in the event taking place in Souderton, Pennsylvania.
"I am really looking forward to visiting Souderton and riding the Cyclosportif," Julich said. "As a racer I know how tough the Univest Grand Prix is and I also know what a great showcase it is for the young talent in our sport. The chance for non-racers to ride such a great course with all of the support provided by the Univest team is just a terrific opportunity to share in the fun."
Participants will ride on the professional’s race course and enjoy many of the benefits of the peloton, including feed zones, mechanical and medical support vehicles and a sag wagon. Each rider receives official finishing times, through electronic chip timing, and can choose from a 100 kilometre (60 miles) and 60 kilometre (40 miles) course.
"We are thrilled to have a rider of Bobby Julich’s stature to lead our Cyclosportif this year," said race organizer John Eustice, president of Sparta Cycling. "His extraordinary career speaks for itself and he was always a fan favourite because he is always approachable and considerate. Bobby’s continued work in the pro peloton as the team development manager of the esteemed Saxo Bank Pro Tour squad just adds to his considerable prestige."
Julich joins a host of past cycling stars who have served as celebrity leaders for the Cyclosportif 100K, including Frankie Andreu, a nine-time Tour de France rider and current Tour commentator; Jonathan Vaughters, former racer and current director of Team Garmin Slipstream; Marty Nothstein, Olympic gold medallist and director of the Valley Preferred Cycling Center; and Floyd Landis.
Registration for the Univest Cyclosportif remains open at www.bikereg.com
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