Candi Murray
.
Dear Fellow Cyclists,
This is an invitation to the 2002 edition of the Ecology Center Classic
Stage Race in Missoula, Montana. This year's race will be held over
Memorial Day Weekend -- May 25 to 27
-- and once again, we are proud to offer a $10,000 cash prize purse. Now
in its fifth year, the ECC has
become one of the premier bike racing events in the Northwest.
For those of you who have never done the race, I encourage you to check
out our
website at: www.wildrockies.org/bikeclassic
You may also register on-line at:
http://www.active.com/event_detail.cfm?event_id=991029
We have always focused our event on making it entertaining and challenging
for the racers. The venues are all scenic and interesting, and include
the Perma Road Race which is a true championship venue (check out the race
profile on the website!). We also have a team competition for all teams with
over 3 riders, Sprinter and KOM/QOM competition for the Pro/1, 2 Men &
Women, Podium
Ceremonies, Stage and GC Medals and LAJORS status.
For those of you who wish to fly to the race, please note that United has
added
service to Missoula via Denver (in addition to Delta, Horizon, and
Northwest). For those of you driving, plan on 7 hours from Seattle, 2 1/2
from Spokane, 5 from Boise, 7 1/2 from Salt Lake City and 10 from San
Francisco.
For those of you familiar with our event here are the changes we have made
for this year:
1- Additional Circuit Race (stage one) for Pro/1, 2 Men:
The Pro/1, 2 men will have an added stage in 2002. This will be a
55 mile
circuit race. Because of USA Cycling rules regarding the number of stages
per day, the prologue street sprints will be an separate, optional event
for the Pro
1,2 Men and will not count towards the GC.
2- Officiating Team Changes:
After a year off, we are proud to have Bill Wycoff return to the
race as
Chief Referee for the race. We have been able to put together a great team
of officials to insure that the race and results run smoothly.
3- Order of Stages:
2002 will mark the return of the original order of the
stages: Saturday
night - Prologue Street Sprints, Sunday- Perma Road Race, Monday-TT and
Criterium.
4- Time Trial Course Change:
The TT course has been lengthened by just over one mile thanks to
some new
smooth pavement! This includes a small climb just before the finish.
4- Race Hotel:
This year we have a new race hotel sponsor. The Holiday Inn
Parkside has
agreed to discount racers' rooms. This hotel is located in downtown
Missoula on the river about two blocks away from registration and the
Street Sprints. Please support them by making your reservations soon. You
will need to tell them that you are with the race to get the discount. The
phone number is 406.721.8550.
5- Miss and Out Criterium:
In 2002 the format for the Criterium will be slightly
changed. Pro/1, 2 Men and Women will still
race the Miss and Out format, per previous years. All other
cats will race a straight criterium format with sprints for time bonuses
every five laps. This is a response to racers in these categories
expressing a desire to be able to race for the entire time rather than
being pulled in the Miss and Out Format.
If you have any questions feel free to contact me at this email or at
406.544.9614.
We hope to see you at the race!
Sincerely,
Jeff Crouch
Co-Race Director
The Ecology Center Classic