Priority Health Tour de Leelanau

Press Release

Contact:
Susan Wilcox Olson
Media Relations (231) 271-6314
Grandbay@chartermi.net

Steve Brown
Iceman Promotions (231) 803-4259
race@iceman.com

Priority Health Tour de Leelanau Slated for May 25, 2008

(Leelanau County, Mich.) February 29, 2008 - A bicycle race in the tradition of a classic European road race comes to Northern Michigan on Sunday, May 25. The 4th Annual Priority Health Tour de Leelanau, presented by Leelanau Sands Casino, will take international and professional male and female bicycle racers through some of the most scenic spots in the State of Michigan the Sunday of Memorial Day Weekend.

“We have moved the event forward on the racing calendar in order to capitalize on the teams’ enthusiasm for racing in early summer compared to the end of the season” noted Steve Brown, race director. “It has meant a short “off-season” for our organizing committee but everything is on-track for a great race in May.”

“The Leelanau Peninsula Chamber of Commerce had been looking for an off season event and this race is perfect. This year we are really looking for the Priority Health Tour de Leelanau to kick-off the summer season.” stated Bill Morrison, Leelanau Peninsula Chamber of Commerce. Morrison went on to say that “the Priority Health Tour de Leelanau is an event that showcases all of the communities in our region and can fill all of our Leelanau communities, roadsides and ridges with thousands of people. Not to mention, the hundreds of volunteers that are happy to be part of such an event. Getting both our residents and visitors excited about an event like this impacts all of our communities - in a positive way."

Both the men’s and women’s courses will include varying twists, climbs, and descents traveling through several County villages before finishing uphill at Leelanau Sands Casino in Peshawbestown. The men’s course will take racers on a 109.5-mile trek; the women’s course is 69.5-miles. The women will depart from The Homestead just after the men have passed through Glen Arbor. Additional course information and event specifics will be announced in the beginning of May.

One thing is certain at the 4th Annual Priority Health Tour de Leelanau, presented by Leelanau Sands Casino; Leelanau County is a great venue for challenging and dynamic cycling.

2008 Sponsors include Priority Health, Leelanau Sands Casino, The Homestead, Advantage Benefits, Bissell Homecare, and Hagerty Insurance. The Priority Health Tour de Leelanau is sanctioned by the International Cycling Union, UCI, and USA Cycling.

Founded in 1986, Priority Health is a nationally recognized health insurance company serving half a million people and 8,500 employers across Michigan.

More information is available by calling (231) 803-4259 or by visiting www.tourdeleelanau.com

***Artwork is available by contacting Susan Wilcox Olson at (231) 271-6314 or grandbay@chartermi.net
Priority Health   Grand Traverse Leelanau Sands Casino