Press Releases

Tour of Somerville Race Promises Intense Competition

Somerville, NJ – The annual bicycle races in Somerset County over Memorial Day weekend culminate with the 50-mile professional race, called the Tour of Somerville. The Tour is the longest running major cycling competition in the United States and is part of the USA Cycling’s National Race Calendar, which is the nation’s premier Pro-Am men’s and women’s road cycling circuit.

Last year’s winner, Ben Kersten, was from the Fly V Australia Team, which ranked first in the 2010 National Race Calendar standings. The team is returning this year with his teammate, Alessandro Bazzana, who finished second in last year’s Tour while helping set up Kersten for victory. Interestingly, another professional team from that part of the world has entered. Team Pure Black, from New Zealand, has eight riders entered in Monday’s event.

The Team Type 1 Cycling Team, sponsored by sanofi-aventis, U.S., is also returning to compete this year. This team serves as an inspiration for people around the world affected by diabetes. Their professional men’s team has 21 riders, 6 of which have Type 1 diabetes. Their top contender for the Tour of Somerville this year is Aldo Ilesic from Slovenia. Ilesic won stages at the Tour do Rio in Brazil, Vuelta a Mexico and the Tour du Maroc during the 2010 season. He prefers criteriums, though, and won first place in six criterium races in 2009. This may be his first time to the Tour of Somerville, but he has an excellent chance for a win.

The United Healthcare Cycling Team, which ranked second in last year’s National Race Calendar standings, is bringing two strong contenders to the Tour of Somerville. Hilton Clarke, from Australia, was the 2007 Tour of Somerville winner and a multiple-time Australian national champion. His teammate, Boy Vanpoppel from Holland, is a young sprinter with lots of European experience.

The Jamis Sutter Home Cycling Team is bringing several athletes, including Alejandro Borrajo from Argentina, Borrajo has finished in the top ten in the Tour of Somerville for the last five years. He is riding with a very strong team; this could be his year for a win.

The Tour of Somerville, which is free to the public, offers live music, sports demonstrations, 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.

Women Bringing a Good Fight to Memorial Day Cycling Event

Somerville, NJ – The annual bicycle races in downtown Somerville on Memorial Day attract some of the best cyclists throughout America and abroad. This year is no exception with two big names coming to compete in the professional women’s race, the 20-mile Mildred Kugler Open. The professional team, Colavita / Forno d'Asolo, has entered seven team members. Most notably, their roster includes Giorgia Bronzini of Italy and Theresa Cliff-Ryan of Phildelphia.

Georgia Bronzini is the current women’s World Road Cycling Champion. Since starting her racing career in 2004, she has won more than 47 races throughout the world. Theresa Cliff-Ryan has won the Mildred Kugler Open twice – 2010 and 2007. If she can pull a win this year, she will join an elite sorority of female three-time tour winners: Tina Pic (2006, 2008, 2009); Laura Van Gilder (1999, 2002, 2005) and Karen Bliss Livingston (1991, 1997 and 1998). Only two women have bested this mark winning a remarkable four times each, Karen Strong (1977, 1979, 1980 and 1981) and Sue Novarra-Reber (1978, 1982, 1983 and 1964).

The Tour of Somerville, which is free to the public, offers live music, sports demonstrations, kids’ activities and other entertainment. You can learn more about the day's events and volunteer opportunities at www.tourofsomerville.org.

The Tour of Somerville would not be possible without the invaluable help of its sponsors: sanofi-aventis U.S., Courier News, Bridgewater Acura, Somerville Lumber Company, Somerset Medical Center, and PSE&G. 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 Cycling Series, sponsored by sanofi-aventis U.S., offers fun and excitement for the entire family. While the bicycle races are conducted at speeds up to 40 mph through the streets of Somerset County, spectators will be able to enjoy a fun assortment of free family activities. New this year is the chance for spectators of Monday’s race to try out the Olympic Luge Sled and meet the members of Team USA.

For the first time, during the Saturday Cycling Classic, Middle Earth has partnered with Michael’s Miracles to bring a Family Bike-A-Thon. While competitors are pushing the limits in a 77-mile road race through 13 municipalities of Somerset County, families are invited to Bridgewater’s Duke Island Park from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on May 28. The event, whose purpose is to raise funds and awareness of juvenile diabetes, features a 2 to 10 mile bike ride with the kids, big wheel races and trike races for younger children, entertainment, crafts, games and give-a-ways.

Sunday’s Bound Brook Criterium features a family fun ride, food, music and kids’ activities during the four races ranging from juniors to pros starting at Cherry Avenue.

On Memorial Day, Monday, May 31, the Sports and Music Festival and a Kids’ Pavilion provide the backdrop in downtown Somerville 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 begins at 9 a.m. and a family fun ride takes place at 10 a.m. 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. Throughout that time period, visitors will have the opportunity to participate in a knockout basketball tournament and to try out the Olympic Team USA Luge Sled and meet the members of Team USA! Live music performances will be provided by Jung Wombats, Foxcraft Special, Slackjaw and School of Rock. There will be a variety of sports demonstrations, including fencing, wrestling, dance, martial arts, and a performance by the Skateboard Demo Team and Competition by Prime SkateShop of Hillsborough. A complete schedule of these events is available at www.tourofsomerville.org under the “spectators” section.

The Kids’ Pavilion will be located at the intersection of Main and Grove Streets (east of the old Courthouse) 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 Cycling Series, sponsored by sanofi-aventis U.S., is a community event that promotes healthy lives. The event, which is free to the public, attracts over 600 professional and amateur cyclists, including some of the best cyclists from throughout America and abroad, as well as local hopefuls. The Tour of Somerville would not be possible without the invaluable help of its sponsors: sanofi-aventis U.S., Courier News, Bridgewater Acura, Somerville Lumber Company, Somerset Medical Center, and PSE&G. You can learn more about the day's events and volunteer opportunities at www.tourofsomerville.org.

Sanofi-aventis U.S. Title Sponsor for 2011 Tour of Somerville Cycling Series

Somerville, NJ – Middle Earth, the organizers of the 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 27-30, 2011, 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 healthy lifestyles that lead to responsible adulthood.

“Sanofi-aventis U.S. is a company that truly believes in making a difference in the community,” said Daniel Puntillo, Executive Director of Middle Earth. “They make investments towards improving the health of Americans, and their support will make a huge difference in the lives of local teens. Many of them don’t have a basic understanding of what constitutes a healthy lifestyle. Middle Earth offers them that guidance.”

The sanofi-aventis U.S. 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 kids in learning respect for themselves and others and choosing positive alternatives to gangs, drugs and crime.

For additional information about the sanofi-aventis U.S. Tour of Somerville Cycling Series, contact Amy DiIorio or Dan Puntillo at Middle Earth at 908-725-7223 or visit www.tourofsomerville.org. For more information about the sponsor, visit: www.sanofi-aventis.us or www.sanofi-aventis.com.

Local Car Dealer Supports 2011 Tour of Somerville Cycling Series

Somerville, NJ – Middle Earth, the nonprofit that organizes the Tour of Somerville, is pleased to announce that Bill Vince’s Bridgewater Acura is the official pace car sponsor for this year’s event. The Tour of Somerville is a pro-am cycling competition with live music and fun family activities that takes place on Memorial Day, Monday, May 30, 2011. The Tour of Somerville has been attracting the top cyclists from around the world for 68 years and is known as “The Kentucky Derby of Cycling.”

The Tour of Somerville helps raise funds and awareness for Middle Earth, a nonprofit serving local youth for almost 40 years. Bill Vince has been a successful auto dealer for 50 years, and his Bridgewater Acura dealership has a history of philanthropic efforts that benefit our local community.

“Bill Vince is one of those people who has a generous heart,” said Daniel Puntillo, Executive Director of Middle Earth. “We are proud to have Bridgewater Acura join us in our mission to help teens become productive and responsible adults. It means a lot to our youth when they see people taking a real interest in them and investing in their future.”

Bridgewater Acura General Manager, Mike Galietta says he is proud to be able to implement Bill Vince’s philosophy of giving back to the community. Mr. Galietta said that he and Mr. Vince "are especially pleased when the dealership can support an organization which helps young people.”

Located on Route 22 West in Bridgewater, a half-mile east of Bridgewater Commons, Bill Vince’s Bridgewater Acura features the full line of New Acuras, a large selection of Certified Pre-Owned Acuras and other Quality Pre-Owned Vehicles. The dealership has just completed phase one of a major, $7 million expansion program which will provide increased convenience and an enhanced luxury experience for their customers.

In 2011, Bridgewater Acura was hailed as the Number One Certified Pre-Owned Acura Dealership in New Jersey for an astonishing seventh consecutive year. Their performance also earned them a third straight year in the top five in the nation, this year at number three. You can learn more by visiting their website: BridgewaterAcura.com.

The Tour of Somerville Cycling Series 2011 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.

Local Companies Sponsor 2011 Tour of Somerville Cycling Series

Somerville, NJ – Middle Earth, the organizer of the Tour of Somerville, is pleased to announce that Somerville Lumber Company and Somerset Medical Center are sponsors of the event. The Tour of Somerville is a pro-am cycling competition with live music and fun family activities that takes place on Memorial Day, Monday, May 30, 2011. The Tour of Somerville has been attracting the top cyclists from around the world for 68 years and is known as “The Kentucky Derby of Cycling.” Exciting bicycle races, live music and fun family activities make downtown Somerville the perfect place to spend the holiday.

“Somerville Lumber Company 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.”

Somerville Lumber Company has serviced the community since 1935 as a full-line lumberyard offering quality, service and one of the largest selections of products in the industry. They operate with a family tradition and philosophy to maintain the highest level of quality and service.

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. It is nationally recognized as a Magnet® hospital for nursing excellence. 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.

Volunteers Needed For 2011 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 27-30, 2011, throughout Somerset County. Anyone is welcome to volunteer and no previous experience is required.

The Tour of Somerville Cycling Series is a four-day family festival and cycling competition. The event 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 since all of the funds raised go to help local youth.

“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 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.

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.