Univest Grand Prix 2010 Pits Top Americans Against Tough International Field

Souderton, Pa. – Top North American cyclists are coming to the Univest Grand Prix on Sept 11-12 to face a strong contingent of rising international stars and a tough and technical new race course that will test them all in North America’s most prestigious Pro-Am cycling competition.

Ukranians Volodymyr Starchyk and Yuri Metlushenko – winners of the 2009 Souderton and Doylestown races, respectively – and Sweden’s Lucas Euser, the 2008 winner in Souderton are among the top international cyclists returning to challenge a roster of American riders that includes many now in the Top 15 of the USA Cycling National Racing Calendar series.

The weekend kicks off with the redesigned UCI 1.2 class (International Pro-Am) Univest Grand Prix race course in Souderton that includes 11 laps on a 5.8-mile loop over the roller-coaster roads of Souderton, Franconia and Telford followed by five finishing laps on a 3.8-mile course in Souderton. Spectator appeal was at the heart of the course redesign and with its many turns, long straight-away and hilly stretches and the new racing format promises excitement, constant action and a strong winner.

“We are delighted to have Dutch amateur champion Peter van Agtmaal, Swedish amateur champion Tobias Ludvigsson and a very talented and accomplished field led by Australian Rory Sutherland of United Healthcare, and Americans Ben Jacques-Maynes of Bissell Pro Cycling and Scott Zwizanski of Kelly Benefits Strategies – who are all ranked in the top 10 on the National Racing Calendar series,” said race promoter John Eustice, president of Sparta Cycling Inc. “It’s the type of field that will really entertain the fans and demonstrate that the Univest Grand Prix continues to one of the most hard fought and exciting races of the year.”

In addition, the Italian Amore & Vita team, with the talented Starchyk and Metlushenko, returns to the Univest Grand Prix in 2010 looking to repeat last year’s sweep. Facing them will be Sweden’s Cykelcity/Klehr Harrison, the Dutch Global Cycling Promotion Team and Team New Zealand Pro Racing as well as North America’s top UCI Continental teams -- United Healthcare, Jamis SutterHome/Colavita, Kelly Benefits Strategies and the Bissell Pro Cycling Team. The 2010 field also includes the noteworthy Team Spidertech powered by Planet Energy that includes 2008 winner Eusar and its coach, Canadian cycling legend Steve Bauer.

Joining Team Cykelcity and the Global Cycling Promotion Team in the International Elite Teams category are Bikyle Mazur Coaching, Jet Fuel and Team Tour de Quebec, all from Canada; and Team New Zealand Pro Cycling.

U.S. Elite Teams include Team CCNS, Metlife presented by GroSolar, Team Hotel San Jose/Juwi Solar, Hagens Berman LLP Cycling Team, CCB Racing, CRCA Foundation, Axa Equitable, Battley Harley-Davidson, Alliance Environmental, Champion System Racing/Cycle Gladiator Wines, PA Lightning, Haymarket Bicycles and Bikereg.com/Cannondale.

With 16 laps to choose from, fans will have more opportunities to experience the course from various vantage points, such as the Wile Avenue hill or the Family Fun Zone area at Univest Plaza with its twice-a-lap views of the competition. Spectators will have the opportunity to take shuttles to various points along the course, before returning to the finish line for the dramatic conclusion.

This year marks the seventh anniversary of the Doylestown criterium, which offers 50 miles of fast-paced, circuit-style racing on a 1.4-mile course. In addition to the professional race, the Doylestown Business and Community Alliance will once again hold the Doylestown Arts Festival. The race route will showcase the festival by providing spectators and attendees an opportunity to watch the race while enjoying the work of local artists.
Saturday’s road race will be broadcast live on WNPV-1440 AM and on WFMZ-69 television.

About the Univest Grand Prix:
From its inception, the Univest Grand Prix has united the towns throughout Bucks and Montgomery counties for a weekend of community celebration while offering a unique showcase for the best young talent in cycling. The pro event is presented by: Univest Corporation of Pennsylvania, Leidy’s Premium Pork Products, WFMZ-69, and Comcast SportsNet. For more information visit www.univestgrandprix.com.

About Univest Corporation
Headquartered in Souderton, Pa., Univest Corporation of Pennsylvania (UVSP) and its subsidiaries Univest National Bank and Trust Co., Univest Insurance, Inc. Univest Investments, Inc., and Univest Capital, Inc.,serve the financial needs of residents, businesses, and nonprofit organizations in Bucks, Chester, Montgomery and Lehigh counties.   For more information please visit www.univest.net.

About Sparta Cycling:
Sparta Cycling provides race promotion services to deliver world class events that meet the needs of sponsors, teams and riders, spectators and supporting communities. For more information, please visit www.spartacycling.com.

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