Litespeed Bicycle has announced a partnership with USA Cycling to become the Official Bike Sponsor of the 2013 Volkswagen USA Cycling Professional National Championships to be held in Chattanooga beginning on May 25, 2013. Spanning three days, the Championship Series will include both men’s and women’s road and time trial races as well as the Handcycling Criterium Championship. The event is expected to draw elite athletes and spectators from across the county and attract the attention of international cycling media as well.
“When we heard USA Cycling was bringing this incredible event to Tennessee, we knew we wanted to be involved,” said Peter Hurley, president and CEO of American Bicycle Group, parent company of Litespeed. “While our products have found a worldwide audience and recognition, our headquarters and hearts have always been here in Chattanooga.” Litespeed, renowned as a brand for the most highly-specialized titanium tube-shaping and craftsmanship, was founded in Chattanooga in 1986.
"Chattanooga is such an incredible community,” said Steve Johnson, president of USA Cycling, “so having the chance to work with companies who have deep community roots – like Volkswagen, Litespeed and many others – has been a tremendous pleasure. I have no doubt visitors to the Championship Weekend will enjoy the same sense of hospitality that our team has experienced.”
Litespeed's corporate involvement in the Pro Championship Weekend will also include participation at the expo, publicity for the event via its expansive dealer network, brand visibility at races, and direct volunteer involvement of Litespeed employees. “We're athletes, too,” said Mr. Hurley, “so I suspect our folks will be really excited to join in the activities.”
Litespeed is a sponsor of the weekend's anticipated Grand Fondo charity ride to benefit the Children's Hospital at Erlanger and providing an array of their acclaimed L-Series bikes for the Pro Championship event promotion.