Press Releases

Two Somerset County Cycling Races Part of National Race Calendar

SOMERVILLE, NJ - USA Cycling's National Race Calendar (NRC) is the nation's premier Pro-Am men's and women's road cycling circuit, featuring 27 events and nearly one million dollars in overall prize payouts. It will visit 22 states from March through September, highlighting the United States' best domestic teams and athletes.

In 2010, the NRC will feature two events located in Somerset County, New Jersey. First, the NRC will head to Basking Ridge for The Base Camp International presented by Bernards Township, On Track Technology and Liberty Cycle on Wednesday, May 26. Then, the cyclists will compete in the Tour of Somerville on May 31.

Both events are road races that travel over a challenging course that stretches a little over one mile. The cyclists must navigate hairpin turns while reaching speeds over 35 miles per hour. Both events are free to spectators and offer live music and a variety of entertainment.

The Base Camp International presented by Bernards Township, On Track Technology and Liberty Cycle, which was formerly titled the Ricola Basking Ridge Twilight Grand Prix, will be held on the evening of Wednesday, May 26 in the heart of historic Basking Ridge. You can learn more about this event at www.libertycycleinc.com.

The Tour of Somerville Cycling Series features a variety of different races over the next four days during Memorial Day weekend. Races are presented on Friday in Manville, Saturday in Bridgewater, Sunday in Bound Brook, and Monday in downtown Somerville. The title race of Monday's event, the 67th Annual Tour of Somerville, is the oldest bicycle race in the United States and was sponsored last year by sanofi-aventis, U.S. You can learn more about this event at www.tourofsomerville.org.

The Tour of Somerville Cycling Series is organized by, and benefits, a local nonprofit. Middle Earth has been serving local adolescents for almost four decades. All of their programs, which are free to youth, guide kids in learning respect for themselves and others, engaging in community service, obtaining marketable skills and choosing positive alternatives to gangs, drugs and crime.

Recognized by the U.S. Olympic Committee and the Union Cycliste Internationale, USA Cycling promotes American cycling through its 60,000 members and 2,500 annual events. Entering its 14th season, the National Racing Calendar (NRC) is an all-inclusive road cycling series sanctioned by USA Cycling. It is designed to provide a ranking system for all elite-level cyclists, both amateur and professional, through participation in the nation’s premier cycling events. For more information on the NRC, visit http://www.usacycling.org/nrc/.

 

Tour of Somerville Launches New Website
Offers Contest to Win VIP Tickets; Race Starter

Somerville, NJ – The Tour of Somerville Cycling Series, an exciting four-day event of competitive cycling over Memorial Day weekend, has just launched a complete redesign of its website at www.tourofsomerville.org. To celebrate the launch, visitors are invited to enter a contest on the website to win two tickets to the VIP area, the chance to start one of the races, or an official t-shirt.

The new website has a more polished look and offers visitors more information. Spectators can obtain a visitor’s guide to the area, lodging information, race course maps, entertainment information, and an explanation of cycling terms and strategies. Residents can obtain information about volunteering at the event. The cyclist registration section is easier to use than its predecessor.

Middle Earth, a nonprofit that organizes the Tour of Somerville, is celebrating the launch by offering a contest. Click on the contest link on the homepage to get instructions on how to enter yourself in a drawing. First prize is two tickets to the VIP area, which features prime viewing at the start / finish line. The second prize winner is awarded the chance to start one of Monday’s races with the official starter pistol. Third prize is an official Tour t-shirt.

America and abroad, as well as local hopefuls. The event, which is free to the public, offers live music, kids’ activities and other entertainment.

The event organizer and beneficiary is a nonprofit that has served youth for almost 40 years. Middle Earth’s programs offer local children a safe environment where they can hang out with their friends, engage with caring adults who listen, obtain help with homework or employment searches, participate in fun group activities, and volunteer for community service opportunities. Their programs also teach basic life skills such as budgeting, cooking, obtaining a driver’s license, as well as positive decision making skills, acceptance of consequences for their actions, mentoring and leadership skills. All of their programs, which are free to youth, guide kids in learning respect for themselves and others and choosing positive alternatives to gangs, drugs and crime.

 

2010 Tour of Somerville Cycling Series Seeking Sponsors
Community Event Offers Businesses Low-Cost Publicity for Good Cause

Somerville, NJ – Organizers of the Tour of Somerville Cycling Series, a tradition in bicycle racing since 1940, are seeking sponsors for the event that will take place during Memorial Day weekend, May 28-31, 2010, throughout Somerset County.  Proceeds will benefit Middle Earth, a local nonprofit agency serving youth.  By becoming a sponsor or advertiser at this event, businesses will help to support the community and our local youth, while gaining visibility to over 20,000 spectators that attend the cycling series.

In addition to brand awareness, the benefits of sponsorship include media coverage; promotional opportunities before and after the event; an emotional connection with fans; the opportunity to entertain clients and prospective customers by inviting them as VIPs to sponsored events; and the ability to more effectively target a specific demographic.

The Tour of Somerville, which is heading into its 67th year, is part of a four-day Pro-Am cycling competition on the National Race Calendar that features some of the nation’s best riders. Free admission to the weekend’s races, as well as family activities with music, sports demonstrations and kids’ entertainment, draws over 20,000 spectators to Somerset County. Cycling is the most popular fitness and health activity among high-net worth individuals over the age of 40, and Somerset County is the richest county in New Jersey, so potential customers abound. Additionally, the event benefits Middle Earth, a local nonprofit serving youth, and offers a variety of low-cost sponsorship opportunities.

Sponsorship opportunities range significantly in price and scope. A business could choose to simply place an advertisement in the official Tour of Somerville Cycling Series program, with ad prices ranging from $100 to $750. Larger sponsors could obtain exhibit space at the Tour of Somerville to sample, coupon or interface with event participants; place banners on the race courses; include public service announcements during the races; and have their logos featured on all the promotional items.

The event organizer and beneficiary is a nonprofit that has served youth for almost 40 years. Middle Earth’s programs offer local children a safe environment where they can hang out with their friends, engage with caring adults who listen, obtain help with homework or employment searches, participate in fun group activities, and volunteer for community service opportunities. Their programs also teach basic life skills such as budgeting, cooking, obtaining a driver’s license, as well as positive decision making skills, acceptance of consequences for their actions, mentoring and leadership skills. All of their programs, which are free to youth, guide kids in learning respect for themselves and others and choosing positive alternatives to gangs, drugs and crime.

For additional information about the Tour of Somerville Cycling Series or to become a sponsor, contact Amy DiIorio or Dan Puntillo at Middle Earth at 908-725-7223 or visit their website at www.tourofsomerville.org.

 

Volunteers Needed For 2010 Tour of Somerville Cycling Series

Somerville, NJ – Organizers of the Tour of Somerville Cycling Series, a tradition in bicycle racing since 1940, are seeking volunteers to assist with all aspects of the races and festivities that will take place during Memorial Day weekend, May 28-31, 2010, throughout Somerset County.  Anyone is welcome to volunteer and no previous experience is required.

The Tour of Somerville Cycling Series, a tradition in bicycle racing since 1940, is a four-day family festival and a terrific opportunity to see thrilling competitive action, right here in Somerset Country. The competition attracts over 600 professional and amateur cyclists, including former Olympians, the best cyclists from throughout America and abroad, as well as local hopefuls. The event, which is free to the public, offers live music, kids’ activities and other entertainment. You can learn more about the day's events, sponsorship, volunteer opportunities, and registration at www.tourofsomerville.org.

Big events create big needs for people and resources.  New volunteers – individuals, families, community groups and civic organizations – are being recruited to help with a variety of event elements, including: keeping the course safe during the event, selling t-shirts, registering cyclists for their races, and planning and organizing entertainment at the event. Any amount of time is appreciated and there are opportunities during all of the events Friday through Monday. Volunteerism provides excellent opportunities for personal growth, including team building for coworkers or youth groups, meeting new people, and feeling the satisfaction of helping a worthy cause.

“Hundreds of community volunteers are enlisted to stage this event, with tens of thousands of spectators anticipated.” said Dan Puntillo, Middle Earth’s Executive Director. “The volunteers have a lot of fun while they work. There’s a great sense of community pride during the Tour.”

The event organizer and beneficiary is a nonprofit that has served youth for 40 years. Middle Earth’s programs offer local children a safe environment where they can hang out with their friends, engage with caring adults who listen, obtain help with homework or employment searches, participate in fun group activities, and volunteer for community service opportunities. Their programs also teach basic life skills such as budgeting, cooking, obtaining a driver’s license, as well as positive decision making skills, acceptance of consequences for their actions, mentoring and leadership skills. All of their programs, which are free to youth, guide kids in learning respect for themselves and others and choosing positive alternatives to gangs, drugs and crime.

Efforts have already begun to enlist volunteers, entertainers and sponsors for this cycling extravaganza.  For additional information about the Tour of Somerville Cycling Series or to volunteer, contact Amy DiIorio or Dan Puntillo at Middle Earth at 908-725-7223 or visit www.tourofsomerville.org.

 

Local Companies Sponsor 2010 Tour of Somerville Cycling Series

Somerville, NJ – Middle Earth, the organizer of the Tour of Somerville, is pleased to announce that PSE&G and Somerset Medical Center are additional sponsors of the event. The Tour of Somerville is a family festival and cycling competition that takes place on Memorial Day, May 31, 2010. Exciting bicycle races, live music and fun family activities make downtown Somerville the perfect place to spend the holiday.

“PSE&G and Somerset Medical Center are both active members in our community,” said Daniel Puntillo, Executive Director of Middle Earth. “We are grateful that these companies recognize the need to invest in our youth and are partnering with Middle Earth to help our children lead productive and responsible lives.”

Public Service Electric and Gas Company (PSE&G) is New Jersey’s oldest and largest regulated gas and electric delivery utility, serving nearly three-quarters of the state’s population. PSE&G is the winner of the ReliabilityOne Award for superior electric system reliability. PSE&G is a subsidiary of Public Service Enterprise Group Incorporated (PSEG) (NYSE:PEG), a diversified energy company (www.pseg.com).

Somerset Medical Center is a nationally accredited, regional medical center providing comprehensive emergency, medical/surgical and rehabilitative services and a broad range of community programs to Central New Jersey residents. The medical center is an affiliate of the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School and a clinical research affiliate of The Cancer Institute of New Jersey. For more information please visit www.somersetmedicalcenter.com.

The Tour of Somerville Cycling Series 2010 is a four-day family festival and a terrific opportunity to see thrilling competitive action, right here in Somerset County. The competition attracts over 600 professional and amateur cyclists, including former Olympians, the best cyclists from throughout America and abroad, as well as local hopefuls. The event, which is free to the public, offers live music, kids’ activities and other entertainment. You can learn more about the day's events, sponsorship, volunteer opportunities, and registration at www.tourofsomerville.org.

Middle Earth is the event organizer and beneficiary. The agency is a nonprofit that has served youth for almost 40 years. Middle Earth’s programs offer local children a safe environment where they can hang out with their friends, engage with caring adults who listen, obtain help with homework or employment searches, participate in fun group activities, and volunteer for community service opportunities. Their programs also teach basic life skills such as budgeting, cooking, obtaining a driver’s license, as well as positive decision making skills, acceptance of consequences for their actions, mentoring and leadership skills. All of their programs, which are free to youth, guide children in learning respect for themselves and others and choosing positive alternatives to gangs, drugs and crime.

For additional information about the Tour of Somerville Cycling Series, contact Amy DiIorio or Dan Puntillo at Middle Earth at 908-725-7223 or visit www.tourofsomerville.org.

 

Sanofi-aventis U.S. Title Sponsor for 2010 Lantus® Tour of Somerville Cycling Series

Somerville, NJ – Middle Earth, the organizers of the Lantus® (insulin glargine [rDNA origin] injection) Tour of Somerville Cycling Series, is pleased to announce that sanofi-aventis U.S. is returning as the title sponsor for the event. Competitive cycling races and family festivities will take place during Memorial Day weekend, May 28-31, 2010, throughout Somerset County.

Sanofi-aventis U.S. will partner with Middle Earth, a local nonprofit serving youth, to put on this fun-filled family event. All the proceeds from the event will go to programs that help adolescents develop into responsible adults.

The Lantus® Tour of Somerville Cycling Series 2010 is a four-day family festival and a terrific opportunity to see thrilling competitive action, right here in Somerset County. The competition attracts over 600 professional and amateur cyclists, including former Olympians, the best cyclists from throughout America and abroad, as well as local hopefuls. The event, which is free to the public, offers live music, kids’ activities and other entertainment. You can learn more about the day's events, sponsorship, volunteer opportunities, and registration at www.tourofsomerville.org.

“Sanofi-aventis U.S. is a great community partner,” said Daniel Puntillo, Executive Director of Middle Earth. “This company is an active participant in our neighborhoods. We are so delighted that they recognize that our youth are the next generation of community leaders, and we need to invest in them to help them lead productive and responsible lives.”

Middle Earth is the event organizer and beneficiary. The agency is a nonprofit that has served youth for almost 40 years. Middle Earth’s programs offer local children a safe environment where they can hang out with their friends, engage with caring adults who listen, obtain help with homework or employment searches, participate in fun group activities, and volunteer for community service opportunities. Their programs also teach basic life skills such as budgeting, cooking, obtaining a driver’s license, as well as positive decision making skills, acceptance of consequences for their actions, mentoring and leadership skills. All of their programs, which are free to youth, guide kids in learning respect for themselves and others and choosing positive alternatives to gangs, drugs and crime.

About sanofi-aventis
Sanofi-aventis U.S. is an affiliate of sanofi-aventis, a leading global pharmaceutical company that discovers, develops and distributes therapeutic solutions to help improve the lives of patients. Sanofi-aventis is listed in Paris (EURONEXT:SAN) and in New York (NYSE:SNY). For more information, visit: www.sanofi-aventis.us or www.sanofi-aventis.com.

For additional information about the Lantus® Tour of Somerville Cycling Series, contact Amy DiIorio or Dan Puntillo at Middle Earth at 908-725-7223 or visit www.tourofsomerville.org.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION FOR LANTUS® (insulin glargine [rDNA origin] injection)

Do not take Lantus® if you are allergic to insulin or any of the inactive ingredients in Lantus®.

You must test your blood sugar levels while using insulin, such as Lantus®. Do not make any changes to your dose or type of insulin without talking to your healthcare provider. Any change of insulin should be made cautiously and only under medical supervision.

Do NOT dilute or mix Lantus® with any other insulin or solution. It will not work as intended and you may lose blood sugar control, which could be serious. Lantus® must only be used if the solution is clear and colorless with no particles visible. Do not share needles, insulin pens or syringes with others.

The most common side effect of insulin, including Lantus® (insulin glargine [rDNA origin] injection), is low blood sugar (hypoglycemia), which may be serious. Other possible side effects may include injection site reactions, including changes in fat tissue at the injection site, and allergic reactions, including itching and rash. In rare cases, some allergic reactions may be life threatening.

Tell your doctor about other medicines and supplements you are taking because they can change the way insulin works. Before starting Lantus®, tell your doctor about all your medical conditions including if you have liver or kidney problems, are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding or planning to breast-feed.

INDICATIONS AND USAGE FOR LANTUS® (insulin glargine [rDNA origin] injection)

Prescription Lantus® is a long-acting insulin used to treat adults with type 2 diabetes and adults and children (6 years and older) with type 1 diabetes for the control of high blood sugar. It should be taken once a day at the same time each day to lower blood glucose.

Do not use Lantus® to treat diabetic ketoacidosis.

Please visit www.Lantus.com for more information.

 

Armed Forces Cycling Team to Compete in Tour of Somerville

Somerville, NJ – Memorial Day in Somerset County has found a whole new way to be patriotic. The Tour of Somerville, which takes place Monday, May 31, has always honored veterans during the family festival and cycling competitions. Adding to this spirit, Middle Earth, the event organizer, announced that the U.S. Armed Forces Cycling Team will be competing in the races this year.

Furman Kugler won the inaugural Tour of Somerville in 1940 and repeated his victory in 1941. Carl Anderson, a friend of Kugler's, won the Tour in 1942. World War II suspended the Tour from 1943-1946, and its Memorial Day date took on a sad irony when Kugler and Anderson were both killed while serving with the Armed Forces overseas. Resumed in 1947, the Senior Men's 50-mile race of the Tour of Somerville was officially renamed the Kugler-Anderson Memorial, in honor of the two past winners that died for their country. Now the U.S. Armed Forces Cycling Team will race at speeds up to 40 mph through downtown Somerville in the very race that honors these veterans.

The U.S. Armed Forces Cycling Team is the official team that represents the United States Armed Forces in national and international competition. The athletes on this team are all in the U.S. military – either active duty, national guard or reserve. The team is already proving formidable in recent competitions. U.S. Military Rider Chuck Hutcheson took second in the Michael Murad Memorial Road Race in Poolesville, Maryland on May 1st. He repeated his performance the next day in the Bunny Hop Criterium in Suitland, Maryland. Meanwhile in Gardner, Kansas, Andy Chocha won the 9th Annual Jesse Blancarte Time Trial on May 2nd.  Chocha posted the best time of the day over the 10K out and back course, averaging 29.62 mph. 

In addition to competing, the U.S. Armed Forces Cycling Team is taking time to reach out to the community. The riders will be making one or two presentations to local school children to discuss fitness and health, cycling, competing, and bike safety. The team will be competing in all four days of competition in large part due to the assistance of Bridgewater Marriott.

Befitting of its importance and prestige as the longest running bicycle race in the United States, the Tour is on the National Race Calendar. Many of the best cyclists from around the world are scheduled to compete in the Tour. In addition to the Armed Services Team, spectators will have the opportunity to see professionals competing from Team Colavita-Sutter Home (including Lucas Haedo, the defending winner of the 2008 and 2009 Tour of Somerville), Bissell Pro Cycling Team (including Kyle Wamsley, the 2007 Tour of Somerville winner), Ion-United Healthcare Team featuring Andy Baker, Kendra Pro Cycling Team with Luca Damiani, Team Type 1 Cycling Team, and Fly V Australia, the premier Australian professional team.

Middle Earth is the event organizer and beneficiary. The agency is a nonprofit that has served youth for almost 40 years. Middle Earth’s programs offer local children a safe environment where they can hang out with their friends, engage with caring adults who listen, obtain help with homework or employment searches, participate in fun group activities, and volunteer for community service opportunities. Their programs also teach basic life skills such as budgeting, cooking, obtaining a driver’s license, as well as positive decision making skills, acceptance of consequences for their actions, mentoring and leadership skills. All of their programs, which are free to youth, guide children in learning respect for themselves and others and choosing positive alternatives to gangs, drugs and crime.

The Tour of Somerville would not be possible without the invaluable help of its sponsors: sanofi-aventis U.S., Courier News, PSE&G, and Somerset Medical Center. For additional information about the Tour of Somerville, contact Amy DiIorio or Dan Puntillo at Middle Earth at 908-725-7223 or visit www.tourofsomerville.org.

 

Tour of Somerville to Offer Entertainment for the Entire Family

Somerville, NJ – The Tour of Somerville, which takes place Monday, May 31, offers fun and excitement for the entire family. While the bicycle races are conducted at speeds up to 40 mph through downtown Somerville, spectators will be able to enjoy a fun assortment of free family activities.

On Memorial Day, Monday, May 31, the Sports and Music Festival and a Kids’ Pavilion provide the backdrop for the six bicycle races, attracting some of the best cyclists in the world. Sponsors and other vendors will be on-hand to sell food, display their products and give out samples. A Memorial Day parade and family fun ride take place in the morning prior to the cycling races.

The Sports and Music Festival will be located on Bridge St. between Main & High St. from 12 noon to 4 p.m. Live music performances will be provided by Jung Wombats and Casino Evil. There will be a variety of sports demonstrations, including fencing, wrestling, gymnastics, and martial arts. The festival will also feature a performance by Serova School of Dance of Somerville; a 3-on-3 basketball tournament featuring Franklin and Somerville High School players; and a performance by the Skateboard Demo Team and Competition by Prime SkateShop of Hillsborough. A schedule of these events is available at www.tourofsomerville.org.

The Kids’ Pavilion will be located at the intersection of Main and Grove Streets (east of the old Courthouse adjacent to the sanofi-aventis tent) from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Entertainment at the Kids’ Pavilion will include an animal petting zoo, pony rides, inflatable rides, and spin art.

The Tour of Somerville would not be possible without the invaluable help of its sponsors: sanofi-aventis U.S., Courier News, PSE&G, and Somerset Medical Center.

Middle Earth is the event organizer and beneficiary. The agency is a nonprofit that has served youth for almost 40 years. Middle Earth’s programs offer local children a safe environment where they can hang out with their friends, engage with caring adults who listen, obtain help with homework or employment searches, participate in fun group activities, and volunteer for community service opportunities. Their programs also teach basic life skills such as budgeting, cooking, obtaining a driver’s license, as well as positive decision making skills, acceptance of consequences for their actions, mentoring and leadership skills. All of their programs, which are free to youth, guide children in learning respect for themselves and others and choosing positive alternatives to gangs, drugs and crime.

For additional information about the Tour of Somerville Cycling Series, contact Amy DiIorio or Dan Puntillo at Middle Earth at 908-725-7223 or visit www.tourofsomerville.org.

 

Women Making Headlines at Memorial Day Cycling Competition

Somerville, NJ – Typically, the annual bicycle races in Somerset County over Memorial Day weekend focus on the men competing in the Tour of Somerville, the longest running major cycling competition in the United States that draws some of our nation’s best athletes. This year, however, the women are drawing some headlines.

The Mildred Kugler Open is a 20-mile bicycle race that features professional women cyclists immediately prior to the featured Tour of Somerville on Monday. Two of our nation’s best women athletes are traveling here to compete in this race.

Laura Van Gilder is registered to compete in the race for the Mellow Mushroom Cycling Team. Laura is a 17-year veteran road racer with over 250 victories. She has won the Kugler Open in Somerville three times in 1999, 2002 and 2005.

Brooke Miller became the first woman to simultaneously hold both the U.S. Road and Crit National Championships in 2008. In 2009, Brooke managed to win four of six races in nine days during the Southeast Criterium series in the Spring, won the Chris Thater Memorial in late August, and then swept the four-race Women’s Tour of Missouri Series in early September.

Additionally, the Harry Naismyth Juniors, a 15-mile race for youth age 15- to 18-years-old, poses a surprising match-up as well. Katie Lawrence, a very good rider with a promising career in cycling, will be the only female taking on an entire field of males in this race.

The Tour of Somerville, a tradition in bicycle racing since 1940, is a family festival and a terrific opportunity to see thrilling competitive action, right here in Somerset Country. The competition attracts over 600 professional and amateur cyclists, including former Olympians, the best cyclists from throughout America and abroad, as well as local hopefuls. The event, which is free to the public, offers live music, kids’ activities and other entertainment. You can learn more about the day's events and volunteer opportunities at www.tourofsomerville.org.

Middle Earth is the event organizer and beneficiary. The agency is a nonprofit that has served youth for almost 40 years. Middle Earth’s programs offer local children a safe environment where they can hang out with their friends, engage with caring adults who listen, obtain help with homework or employment searches, participate in fun group activities, and volunteer for community service opportunities. Their programs also teach basic life skills such as budgeting, cooking, obtaining a driver’s license, as well as positive decision making skills, acceptance of consequences for their actions, mentoring and leadership skills. All of their programs, which are free to youth, guide children in learning respect for themselves and others and choosing positive alternatives to gangs, drugs and crime.

The Tour of Somerville would not be possible without the invaluable help of its sponsors: sanofi-aventis U.S., Courier News, PSE&G, and Somerset Medical Center. For additional information about the Tour of Somerville, contact Amy DiIorio or Dan Puntillo at Middle Earth at 908-725-7223 or visit www.tourofsomerville.org.

 

Australian Cyclist Wins 77-Mile Prelude to Monday's 'Tour of Somerville'

Somerville, NJ (May 29, 2010) - Australian David Tanner pulled away from a pack of 136 starting cyclists to win the Hills of Somerset County 77-mile bicycle race today in a time of 2:59:00. The event was a prelude to Monday's 68th Annual Tour of Somerville, America's oldest, continuously run bicycle race.

The 25-year-old professional from Melbourne was part of a break- away group of eight cyclists that expanded its lead to nearly three minutes as the race snaked through 14 different Somerset County towns.

Patrick Bevan of Santa Rosa, CA was second and Andres Pereyra of Linden, NJ finished third. The day's humidity combined with numerous hills, crashes and a 26-mile-per hour pace to take its toll on the field. Only 75 of the starters finished.

Tanner, a member of the Fly V Australia cycle team who turned pro at the age of 17, took command of the tempo during the last mile to win. "It was a good course that offered a little bit of everything," he said. "There were some decisive climbs that made the difference." A former Australian junior national champion, Tanner has spent much his recent career competing in Europe. He and his team have been racing in the U.S. since March.

The race was sponsored by Middle Earth and is part of the Lantus Tour of Somerville Cycling Series. Supported by a fast moving caravan of State other municipal and county police, the pack rolled through Raritan, Branchburg, Hillsborough, Montgomery, Rocky Hill, Franklin, Millstone, and Manville. The route also took the riders through Warren, Watchung, Bernards, Liberty Corner and Bridgewater before returning to the start/finish in Somerville.