Riding for Roses

I had been looking forward to a press conference on January 12 announcing the dates, route, and details for the United Tour of Texas that was to be a large stage race through Texas, promoting Texas, cycling, and cancer awareness. United Stores and Market Street were the main sponsors and had committed donation to the Lance Armstrong Foundation as part of their support for the ride.

Unfortunately, I received this press realease in my email:

LUBBOCK, TX – The Board of Directors of United Texas Tour, Inc., announced today that it has postponed indefinitely its professional cycling race originally slated for September 2005.

“In light of growing worldwide humanitarian needs such as the South Asian tragedy, we are reluctant to solicit the level of sponsorship funding needed to ensure the success of this event,” said Eddie Owens, executive director of the United Texas Tour. “We are simply uncomfortable asking companies to fund the race when those dollars could be used for more immediate social concerns.

“The reception we have received from Texas communities to date has been nothing short of overwhelming,” Owens added. “We are deeply grateful to all the sponsors who have pledged their support for the event, most especially our title sponsor, United Supermarkets and Market Street, and to the local and international cycling communities for embracing our vision for a world-class professional cycling race.”

“While we are saddened by the postponement of the race, we understand and support the board’s decision,” said Dan Sanders, chief executive officer of United Supermarkets, Ltd. “We are sincerely thankful to Eddie and his team, along with the 18 local organizing committees comprised of selfless volunteers who have worked tirelessly toward this effort during the past year.”

United Supermarkets, Ltd., announced its title sponsorship for the race in February 2004, and established the event as a platform for cancer awareness and survivorship. In recognition of that cause, a substantial gift was made to Lance Armstrong Foundation.

“We continue to believe in the vision of United Texas Tour and remain committed to the cause of cancer survivorship,” Sanders said.

I understand the challenges they must have faced finding sponsors when much discretionary corporate money is going to funding disaster relief. I hope they can get the United Tour of Texas back on track for 2006. I’d really love to see such a large cycling event in the U.S., and even moreso here in Texas where I could follow at least some of the ride in person.