Sequoia Cycling Classic needs host families

With professional and elite teams making plans to ride in the Sequoia Cycling Classic in California, USA, from March 15-16, race organisers are looking for families who can open up their homes and host professional cyclists participating in the two-day race. Since the Tulare County event is the only National Race Calendar event in the Central Valley in 2008, and the final leg of the inaugural 99 Series, attendance at this year's event is expected to tower over that of last season.

"This year we are going to have a huge influx of riders that are hoping to stay with local hosts. These cyclists aren't raking in millions of dollars a year," said race director Sheri Clark. "It's a chance to hang out with the pros – see how they live, see how they train and help them out."

Professional and amateur cyclists are expected to head into the area to scout out courses several days before the weekend of racing begins in Exeter and Visalia, Clark said. Most riders will only be looking for housing Friday through Sunday. Those families who choose to host cyclists will be recognised with a free lunch at the VIP Pavilion during Sunday's Visalia Criterium.

For more information on becoming a volunteer host, contact Carol Beers, host housing coordinator for the Sequoia Cycling Classic, by e-mail at ladri59@gmail.com.