New April stage race

Monday, 12 January

There's a brand new stage race in The Dalles this spring that sounds like it's going to be a great event. Chad Sperry knows how to put on a bike race :) and Sorella Forte is all about women's bike racing. I've raced on a couple of the courses and ridden part of another. It's supposed to be slightly less epic than Mt. Hood, but since it falls in early April after winter training interrupted by snow in these parts, I think it's going to feel pretty epic. While you're in The Dalles, be sure to check out their ace bike shop, Salmon Cyclery.

Here's the race announcement and link to the website:

New for 2009
Cherry Blossom Cycling Classic
4 Stages
3 Days
$8000 in Prizes

Sorella Forte and Race Director Chad Sperry have teamed up in 2009 to host the Cherry Blossom Cycling Classic April 3-5th in The Dalles, Oregon. This is going to be a tremendous stage race located just one hour east of Portland and more importantly on the other side of the Cascades (that dry rural side). With an average day time high of 60 degrees and a 1/2 an inch of rain for the month of April, the region is truly the Banana Belt of the Northwest. $8000 in prizes will be up for grabs and the courses will be top notch with many of the roads debuting on the NRC with the Mt. Hood Cycling Classic. Travel time to each stage start is 4 miles or less from the city of The Dalles. Race consists of 2 road races, time trial and a criterium. Courses are well balanced and favor no one but those who are willing to ride the hard and have strong early season fitness. Categories include

Pro 1-2 Men
Pro 1-3 Women
Masters Men
CAT 3 Men
CAT 4 Men
CAT 4 Women
Masters Women (will race with CAT 4 women but scored separately)

Registration opens today. Register by February 25th and receive a $10 discount. Field limits are mandatory so be sure and register early to assure your spot.

For course, registration info as well as breaking news and updates be sure and check us out on the web at www.cherryblossomclassic.com .