TOUR OF PA TEAM SELECTION IS COMPLETE!

Final selection for the inaugural American Eagle Outfitters Tour of Pennsylvania Presented By Highmark Healthy High 5® is complete. Making the cut for this first-of-its kind under-25 cycling stage race are 20 of the world’s best development squads, each looking to make its mark during a daunting six-day journey from Philadelphia to Pittsburgh, June 24-29. No less than nine countries and five continents – North and South America, Australia, Africa and Europe -- will be represented in the 120-rider field.
Notable formations include the Belgian-based Johan Bruyneel Cycling Academy team, South Africa’s Konica Minolta Continental Cycling Team, and Colorado-based VMG-Felt, the development arm of Slipstream-Chipotle , one of two teams slated to represent America at this year’s Tour de France.
The final team granted entry into this prestigious race was Team VRC/NOW-MS Society, a Los Angeles-based squad that’s dedicated to helping develop tomorrow’s top pros and raising awareness about multiple sclerosis. Local hopes rest with Pennsylvania’s entry, the PA Lightning.
Beginning on hallowed cycling ground in Philadelphia, the American Eagle Outfitters Tour of Pennsylvania follows a historically rich route that passes through towns and countryside that roughly follow Forbes Road (U.S. 30), which was forged in 1758 by British General John Forbes and Colonel George Washington. The race culminates six days later in Pittsburgh as part of the city’s 250th anniversary celebration.
Seven Pennsylvania towns and cities will host the official race starts and finishes, with communities along the way gaining a first-hand look at the world’s best young talent in the kind of competition that is normally found only in Europe. In addition to Philadelphia and Pittsburgh, the host cities include Downingtown, Carlisle, Camp Hill, Bedford, Latrobe and Ligonier.
The Tour of Pennsylvania offers $150,000 in total prize money, making it the richest in the world for under-25-class riders. It’s also the only UCI sanctioned race in the U.S. geared specifically to under-25 riders. That combination stimulated worldwide interest and applications from several dozen teams followed. But only a select 20 made the final cut of what will be a historic six days of racing.