MPCC up next in California

The McLane Pacific Cycling Classic (MPCC), the first non-stage race of the year on the National Racing Calendar, will be taking place again in Merced, California, on March 4, 2006. At last year's event, Gord Fraser of Health Net-Maxxis team won the Downtown Grand Prix for the fourth year in a row, edging out J.J. Haedo of Colavita- Sutter Home. Haedo then wrestled the top prize from Fraser in the Foothills Road Race the following day.

For the 13th edition of the MPCC, Fraser and Haedo will meet again, with Haedo wearing the new Toyota-United jersey, the same as Fraser's former team-mate and current US Pro Road Champion Chris Wherry.

The battle for the pros begins with the Downtown Grand Prix on Saturday, March 4, taking place on a 0.8 mile downtown circuit. On the next day, the Foothills Road Race will see the riders on a 24 mile rolling loop on a closed course that runs a total distance of up to 125 miles for the professional men. All in all, over 3000 riders are expected to make their mark in Merced and take home over $20,000 in cash prizes.