Tour de Toona adds international women's team

A French national composite team consisting of Magali Le Floch, Magali Finot, Mariana Jaunatre, Sophie Creux and Mary Schutte will compete in the women's field of this year's International Tour de Toona, taking place July 25 - 31. Juantre is a rider of particular note performing well at this year's Tour de l'Aude and Tour of Bretagne.

Race promoter Rick Geist was obviously pleased with the addition to the international aspect of the race. "It should be a major step forward in attracting both women's and men's teams from cycling worldwide to Altoona in the years to come."

Toona offers volunteers additional incentive

Two mountain bikes will be raffled away to all volunteers helping with the race. A raffle ticket will be given to people for every day of service and a drawing will take place at the end of the race. Volunteers are quite valuable to the success of this and any race in North America.

"Every year, hundreds of people volunteer time for various tasks that makes it possible to continue the International Tour de Toona as a community based race," explained Paul Cooney, volunteer director. "This year, we are happy to be able to be able to offer at least two lucky volunteers a chance to win a mountain bike as a token of our thanks."

Local residents can call 949-RACE or visit the race website, www.tourdetoona.com, for more information.