FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
LONG BEACH'S TONY CRUZ TO BE GRAND MARSHAL FOR
BIKE TOUR AT LONG BEACH INTERNATIONAL CITY BANK MARATHON
Olympic Cyclist Helping to Make Long Beach Most Bike-Friendly City
LONG BEACH, Calif. (Oct. 9, 2008) - Professional cyclist and Long Beach
native Tony Cruz, an Olympian and former teammate of Lance Armstrong on the
U.S. Cycling Team, will ride in and serve as Grand Marshal of the Bike Tour
portion of the 24th Annual Long Beach International City Bank Marathon this
Sunday, Oct. 12.
The Bike Tour, one of seven events running at the Marathon, is scheduled to
start at 6 a.m. on Sunday. Other events include the Team Prevention
Marathon "Walk It!" (6:15 a.m.), Wheelchair/Handcycle Marathon (7:25 a.m.),
Full and Half Marathons (7:30 a.m.), "Run Forrest Run" 5K sponsored by
Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. (8:30 a.m.) and Evergreen Kids One-Mile Fun Run (9
a.m.).
Cruz, 36, has a long and distinguished career in international cycling. A
competitor in the 2000 Sydney Olympic Games, Cruz used his ride there as a
springboard to joining the U.S. Postal Service Team that included
Armstrong, George Hincapie and Tyler Hamilton. Often playing the supporting
role for team leaders, Cruz' abilities helped Postal become one of the top
teams in the world. He has also ridden in recent Amgen Tours of California.
This year, Cruz joined the Swiss BMC Pro Cycling Team and has become an
integral part of BMC's strong team focus.
One of Cruz' other endeavors is to make his hometown of Long Beach the most
bicycle-friendly city in the nation. In partnership with the City of Long
Beach, Cruz is lending his name and support to the City's effort to conduct
a citywide bicycle count to guide its efforts to improve bicycle
infrastructure and riding conditions. The bike counts will take place in
three shifts on Thursday, October 16th from 7 a.m. to 9 a.m. and from 4
p.m. to 6 p.m., and on Sunday, October 19th from 12 noon to 2 p.m. To learn
more or to sign up, visit www.csulb.edu/rideshare or call the Bikestation
at (562) 733-0106.
"Through this effort, we want everyone to know that they can ride a bike
anytime, anywhere in Long Beach," said Cruz.
"We are pleased to welcome Tony back to the Long Beach International City
Bank Marathon," said Bob Seagren, CEO of International City Racing. "He is
a great ambassador for cycling in America, and we applaud his work to help
make Long Beach one of the most cycling-friendly cities in the country."
In addition to the Long Beach International City Bank Marathon, more than
30,000 will attend a 2-day Health & Fitness Expo at the Long Beach
Convention and Entertainment Center, Hall C, on Fri., Oct. 10 from noon - 7
p.m. and Sat., Oct. 11 from 9 a.m. - 6 p.m. With over 100 exhibitors,
attendees can see all the latest in running, health and fitness industry,
and all athletes must attend the expo to pick up their race packet.
On race day, a crowd of 30,000 is expected to attend the Michelob Ultra
Finish Line Festival on Marina Green. Free and open to the public, the
festival offers live music, food and fun. It is the traditional gathering
place and viewing area for friends, family and guests.
Further information about the 24th Annual Long Beach International City
Bank Marathon is available at www.runlongbeach.com, or by calling (562)
427-4606.
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