Huge crowds, pre-race call ups, media appearances, warming up in the Athlete Village adjacent to the Start Line, signing autographs, a profile on the team web site, and being pampered by your own team staff. Back for its third year, the Nature Valley Pro Ride is the country’s only opportunity for amateur racers to have the full professional race experience.
Riders earn their way onto the Nature Valley Cycling Team and then race at the Nature Valley Grand Prix, the top pro stage race on the USA Cycling National Racing Calendar.
The Nature Valley Pro Ride consists of six regional races that qualify men and women to participate in the Nature Valley Grand Prix, held June 16 – 20 in Minnesota. Be a part of history as you participate in this unique national program.
2010 regional qualifiers have been selected from among the top amateur events across the United States:
- April 10 - Hillsboro-Roubaix - St. Louis, MO
- April 10 & 11 - Rock Hills Spring Bicycle Races - Charlotte, NC
- April 23-25 - Cherry Blossom Cycling Classic - Portland, OR
- May 1 & 2 - Barrio Logan Grand Prix & Mark Reynolds San Luis Rey Classic - San Diego, CA
- May 15 - Bear Mountain Road Race - New York, NY
- May 30 & 31 - Mt. Hamilton Classic Road Race & Memorial Day Criterium - San Jose, CA
Selected riders will race against the country’s top professionals, but they'll also be ranked against other amateurs as they compete for the Nature Valley Top Amateur jersey. Every year since its inception, the winner of the Top Amateur jersey at the Nature Valley Grand Prix has signed a pro contract for the next season so this is a unique opportunity for national recognition.