Shimano joins the 24 hours of Le Mans

By Jean-François Quénet

The organization of the 24 hours of Le Mans cycling event in France has welcomed Shimano as its technical partner for the first edition of the event due to take place on August 22nd and 23rd, 2009. Former Crédit Agricole team manager Roger Legeay is involved with the new race in the same town where the famous car race takes place.

Managing director Romain Gasnal was delighted by the news. "They have a rich experience with the Shimano Suzuka Road challenge in Japan. They will provide technical assistance to the participants as well as energy bars and recovery products."

Legeay has presented the project to a few professional and ex-professional riders, who likely will take part in the mass participation event open to the public. Teams of eight, six, four or two cyclists as well as individual cyclists are welcome. The goal is to cover a maximum number of laps on the 4,185 meters of the famous race track of the Bugatti circuit. The smooth surface is great for riding a bike fast. Inscriptions have begun on the race website www.24heuresvelo.fr on November 1st.

"We already received many requests and not only from France but also from Belgium, Holland and Switzerland," Gasnal added.