Let’s get ready to race

(by Jennifer Reither, aka Jenn X)
Without further ado, it’s finally here. The 2008 Nature Valley Grand Prix and the fans are in for a treat. Just by looking at this year’s start list you can see that the NVGP is regarded as one of the most prestigious women's stage races in the U.S. This SOLD OUT field brings world class racers from the teams of Cervelo Lifeforce, Tibco, Aarons, Ryan’s Collegiate All Stars, Value Act Capital, Cheerwine, Colavita, Proman and a handful of solo riders including Minnesota’s favorite local Teresa Moriarty.

What is it that brings to best racers to Minnesota? As a former racer, here is what I considered the reasons to race the NVGP:

#1 The fans! As a professional cyclist we understand it’s a spectator sport, the bigger and louder the crowd, the better the race. We aim to please and love to have packed sidelines.

#2 The courses. The courses are challenging and result in unexpected surprises. It’s not a climber’s race or a sprinter’s race. It is the most well-rounded rider and well oiled team that win stages and the overall classification.

#3 The Jerseys. There is more going on than a stage win and general classification. There is a sprinter’s competition, climber’s competition, most aggressive rider, best young rider and overall team classification. With Twin Six’s cool designs, the jersey are a coveted prize.

#4 Management and Staff. The staff of the NVGP has taken suggestions of the racers and made the event better every year. Is everyone in Minnesota so friendly? Well, Minnesota is considered the “bike friendliest state”.

#5 The Bike Festival sponsored by Great River Energy. The expo and festival is fun for fans and racers. There is cool product to try and buy. Great River always passes out clapper hands during the crits, the Wheaties Fan Zone ambassadors are located throughout the course to answer “cycling 101” for inquiring fans, Nature Valley gives out tons of tasty granola bars and Jelly Belly gives out tons of yummy sports beans.

#6 The Kids. They are the future of the sport and have always been a part of the Minnesota Festival with all proceeds going to Children’s Hospitals and Clinics. This year the NVGP has taken a bigger step toward the future, adding the Hoigaard’s Tour de Kids to the event. I am not sure of all the details, but I think this is a first time ever Tour for Kids. What I wouldn’t do to be a kid again. By what I have heard, this is gonna be FUN!

Come on Down with the whole family and be sure to say hi. I’ll be the blonde with the microphone!

JennX