Press Release: CTS Figueroa Mountain Gran Fondo Announces Solvang, California as Presenting Sponsor
(June 26, 2019 – Colorado Springs, CO) – The city of Solvang, California will be the presenting sponsor for the third annual CTS Figueroa Mountain Gran Fondo cycling event. The event, to be held November 8-9, 2019, is produced by coaching company CTS and is anticipated to bring more than 800 cyclists and families to Solvang for festivities on Friday night and the gran fondo and finish line-party on Saturday.
As a result of the presenting sponsorship, the CTS Figueroa Mountain Gran Fondo will move its packet pickup and start/finish to downtown Solvang from Santa Ynez. Solvang and the Santa Ynez Valley have a long history with national and international-level cycling events, including stages of the Amgen Tour of California. The area is also known worldwide as an ideal location for pre-season training camps for professional cycling teams.
“CTS has been hosting cycling camps in and around Solvang for 20 years, and my personal history with the area goes back further to 7-Eleven Pro Cycling Team training camps in the 1980s,” said CTS Founder and CEO, Chris Carmichael. “We established a year-round training facility in the Santa Ynez Valley nearly 10 years ago and I am honored to have the support of the city of Solvang and the community in this wonderful valley.”
Solvang Mayor Ryan Toussaint added, “The Santa Ynez Valley is a premier cycling destination and we welcome the CTS Figueroa Mountain Gran Fondo to Solvang.”
Kirk Nordgren, Event Director and General Manager of the nearby CTS training facility, said, “We’re proud to partner with the City of Solvang and local companies to create an event that’s great for cyclists and beneficial for the whole community.”
The economic benefit of bringing the CTS Figueroa Mountain Gran Fondo to Solvang was a priority for Solvang City Council member Chris Djernaes. He said, “Cycling is good for business. The event helps establish Solvang as a destination for cycling tourism, and our city will continue to reap the economic benefits throughout the year as cyclists return to visit our beautiful valley.”
About the CTS Figueroa Mountain Gran Fondo
On Friday afternoon and evening, riders will arrive in Solvang for packet pickup and the public is encouraged to participate in a cycling festival with activities for kids and families. Amateur cyclists participating in the event will all start together on Saturday morning and choose from four marked routes (100, 64, 44, and 31 miles) through the Santa Ynez Valley. The longer three routes feature an ascent of Figueroa Mountain, and all routes feature Ballard Canyon Road made famous to cyclists by the Amgen Tour of California. With the exception of the Start/Finish area, the course will be open to car traffic throughout the event. Riders will be supported on course with feed stations and mobile mechanics, and will return to Solvang for a finish line party with live music and locally sourced food and beer.
About CTS
A pioneering company in the endurance coaching industry CTS has improved the performance of tens of thousands of athletes since 2000. Founded by renowned coach and author Chris Carmichael, and home to more than 50 professional coaches, CTS seeks to change lives and ultimately the world, through the power of movement, healthy habits, knowledge, and inspiration. The company provides personal coaching, training camps, and Endurance Bucket List experiences to athletes of all ability levels. For more information, visit www.trainright.com.
About Solvang
Just two hours up the coast from Los Angeles in the heart of Santa Ynez Valley wine country, Solvang is like experiencing Denmark with no passport required. Founded in 1911 by Danish-American educators, Solvang features Scandinavian traditions of welcoming hospitality, heritage, architecture and world-class cuisine. Discover local chefs shopping at the weekly Wednesday Farmers Market to create wine country gourmet (including a 2019 Michelin Plate winner) to casual fare in 35 restaurants and cafes. Savor five authentic Danish bakeries, 25 wine tasting rooms and craft breweries, six museums and 150 retail boutiques all within an easy 10-block stroll. Choose from 18 unique lodgings including 4-diamond hotels, classic inns and a luxurious guest ranch. Plan your next adventure in “California’s Denmark” at www.SolvangUSA.com
City of Solvang Media Contact:
David Gassaway, Solvang City Manager
davidg@cityofsolvang.com
805-688-5575
CTS Media contact:
Jim Rutberg
jrutberg@trainright.com
719-360-2672
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