For Immediate Release.

Harrisonburg, Virginia 6/4/02

7th Annual Tour de Burg

July 5th-July10th 2002

Addressing a rioting crowd of World Class cycling fans, the prestigious Committee of the Tour de Burg announced the dates and routes of the 2002 installment of the Grandest of Grand Tours. In response to the heightened security necessary in the post September 11th world and incessant whining about the severity and duration of previous tours, the Committee has shortened this years Tour de Burg to 6 days. After a laborious 4 hour and 20 minute meeting, the Tour Committee determined that it cannot guarantee a suicide bomber or high-jacked short bus will not capitalize on this event to make one of the greatest political statements of all time. All tour riders will be subject to body cavity searches for added security. Complaints of grueling stages and race duration, mainly from the Team Clean camp, also weighed heavily on the Committees decision to shorten the race. Although taking a back seat to these new controversies the doping issues will not pass without notice, riders will still be subject to random and illicit testing at the discretion of the Tour Committee. Race directors hope the shorter format will bolster the number of racers battling for a placing amongst the General Classification.

Regardless of the number of stages, the Tour will showcase the BEST riding on the East Coast and allow the top riders in the sport to battle for the crown jewel of the Grand Tours. An unprecedented sum of cash has been offered for this year's champion as well as single stage prizes including but not necessarily limited to cars, children, pets, and hair styling products. Each stage has been adopted by notorious sponsors and will no doubt offer larger purses, better course marking, and "official" timing.

A race preview

After decimating the entire field last year and single-handedly forcing many of the top riders to abandon, 2002 champion, Jeremiah "il sparro" Bishoup has started strong again this season and is a pre race favorite to be atop the podium on July 10th. Facing only 6 days this year doesn't worry the British bike handler whom stated bluntly "the tour was over by the 6th day last year anyway". Whether or not he is beginning a dynasty or will even start the 2002 Tour will remain a mystery but don't think racers won't be lining up to battle for his crown. Judging by the results of the 2002 Spring Classics many riders are coming to form with their eyes on the jersey and the incredible spoils of the 2002 Tour de Burg. Team Clean has owned the Tour for the past four years and in 2002 they will again bring their top performers. The flamboyant young Italian Niki Waite has been showing good legs all spring and will no doubt be gunning for the glory and the gold. Time will tell if this young Italian has the heart and exuberance to withstand 6 days of mortal combat. The champion of the 2002 Giro d'Ville and two time Tour de Burg winner Jerome Vimptey is obviously on form but his participation in the 2002 has yet to be determined. The Tour Committee is reviewing the "B" test on the legality of his "enlarged" mountain wheels. If he is cleared the question persists…Can the Frenchman keep enough focus for 6 days to regain his crown and win both of the grand tours in the same season? Rumors persist about other Team Clean riders coming in from the Macedonia region and the Baltics, including but not limited to Andreu Kinley, Mike Compraro, the mad viking, and Mikael Bucnis.

As usual Team Green has HIGH hopes for the 2002 Tour. Most importantly they inked a deal with the Belgian powerhouse Paul Buschetti. A shocking turn of events as his 6 figure bagel contract has been flushed after he provided positive on his "A", "B", and "C" doping tests. Pundits feel Team Green's involvement with the 1998 Tour champion is merely a "pity party" but the Greenies claim he is not washed up and this may be his year to regain the crown. Another revelation for Team Green has been journeyman Tim Richardson who posted an inspiring 2nd place finish in the Giro. It has been rumored the the New Hope would come from West Virginia…could he be the one? Blowing away like the sands of time are the biological clocks and chances of Tour victories for veterans and fan favorites Chris Scott and Tomas Jenkini. In spring interviews Jenkini "the Italian Flyer" expressed his desire to climb atop the podium, "don't you think I would look really tall up on that podium". Norwegian Chris Scott, winner of the 1996 Tour de Burg, is the only rider to have competed in every Tour stage since its inception. He has been struggling to regain his true form for the better part of a decade and this may be his last chance to mount to podium when the Tour culminates on July 10th. To battle for redemption, Team Green will be relying heavily upon their army of doobiemestiques, led this year by Spaniard Miguel Carpellini who will be returning from pony pasture in southern Ohio.

The Team Green roster continues to grow and they will be counting on the strong performances from the riders of the newly formed European nation Michauslavakia. Always a strong tour performer and a recent defector to the Michauslavakian camp Jay Duffy is expected to bring an entourage to this year's event.

The money, the fame, the glory…it will all be on the line starting July 5th when the determined racers line up to take their shot at the Tour de Burg. This year could produce the largest peloton ever as applications are flowing in from around the globe. Rider profiles and racer resumes are required, forward your Letter of Intent to the Tour Committee and prepare for the Grandest Tour yet.

7th Annual Tour de Burg Routes and Schedule

Friday July 5th Prologue 7 pm Trimble Mountain Time Trial Can anyone shatter the 25 minute mark? A lifetime supply of Hot dogs will surely entice the riders to put on the full gas.

Saturday, July 6th Stage 1 10:00 AM Elliots Knob-Chimney Hollow The GC contenders will have no time to hide in the peloton, Elliot will demand everyone to bring their best…just to survive.

Sunday, July 7th Stage 2 10:00 AM Skyline Drive Road Stage Dust off the skinny tires, this road ride takes on some great climbing and will showcase the Tours best sprinters battling for time and prize bonuses.

Monday, July 8th Stage 3 10:00 AM Flagpole Knob from Town Riders will have another long day as the Tour raises its flag from the highest point in Rockingham County. A course suited for both climbers and downhillers, the Union Springs climb can destroy and sneaky Wolfe Ridge always inspires.

Tuesday, July 9th Stage 4 2:00 PM Road Assault on Reddish Knob Again on the road bikes, this stage promises gravel and maybe a climb or six. More sprints with loot and time again on the line!

Wednesday, July 10th Stage 5 10:00 AM Mystery Mountain Stage To minimize the terrorist threat this stage will be announced later but keep in mind the endless single track of the Shenandoah Mountain Trail and the relentless rocks along Massanutten Mountain.