It’s truly inspiring that a City like Pittsburgh, that for decades couldn’t have cared less about on-road bicycling, is helping organize one of the biggest road races in the country to help ring in its 250 year anniversary. Let’s hope it’s the dawn of a new era. We’re really excited about the possibilities. Our dream is that those 100,000 spectators don’t have to remain just spectators, but will feel safe and welcome to cycle our streets and explore our wonderful neighborhoods and business districts by bike. It’s within our reach, it just takes the will to make it happen.

Wednesday, May 16, 2007
By Tracie Mauriello, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

HARRISBURG — Plans for the American Eagle Outfitters Tour of Pennsylvania bicycle race were announced this afternoon in the Capitol.

The 500-mile race planned for June 2008 starts in Philadelphia and ends six days later in Pittsburgh, where an estimated 100,000 spectators are expected to gather at Point State Park to watch the cyclists barrel toward the finish line.

Organizers say the event will raise the profile of Pittsburgh, of Philadelphia and of American cycling.

Organizers say it will be the first race of its kind in the United States for the class of riders younger than 25 and offers a $250,000 purse, the largest in the world for the class.

Major corporate sponsors for the race are American Eagle Outfitters and Healthy High 5, an initiative of the Highmark Foundation.

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