MFG Cyclocross pays tribute to sponsors and series winners at season-end party.
Seattle, WA – November 18th, 2009 — Low Pressure Promotions of Seattle, WA concluded the first annual MFG Cyclocross Series, presented by Raleigh Bicycles, with an awards party at the Pyramid Alehouse.
Throughout the evening, MFG paid tribute to overall series winners as well as 2nd place finishers. Sponsors, racers, family and friends packed the an entire level at the brewery to honor the series winners, and also to raise money for northwest U23 and junior racers traveling to Europe for the cyclocross world championships.
“A year ago, MFG Cyclocross was just a concept between me and Zac,” said co-founder Terry Buchanan. Last night, we handed out nearly $15,000 worth of merchandise to series and 2nd place winners, we raised and donated nearly $500 for U23 and junior racing, and gave away $5000 in raffle prizes. We are absolutely pleased with MFG year 1, and are fortunate to have such strong support from local and regional sponsors who enabled us to succeed.”
MFG Cyclocross gained support from 16 regional sponsors, including the presenting sponsor of the series, Raleigh Bicycles. “Raleigh Bicycles was one of-if not thee-first sponsor to show vocal support for MFG Cyclocross on their company blog,” said co-founder Zac Daab.
Brian “please call me Sally” Fornes-marketing manager at Raleigh Bicycles-saw an opportunity to showcase the Raleigh brand in an authentic way, and make an impact on cyclocross racing in Seattle. Throughout the series, Raleigh Bicycles, in conjunction with local Raleigh retailer Recycled Cycles, managed a demo fleet of the 2010 Raleigh RX 1.0 cyclocross bicycles in every size.
Said Daab, “It’s really meaningful to have sponsors who connect with participants in a way that adds race-day value. One of our goals with MFG Cyclocross was to encourage new growth in the sport, and Raleigh threw down huge with their demo fleet, allowing cyclocross newcomers an easy way to race for the first time. I think one of the lessons we learned this year is that we cannot thank our sponsors enough, and we are extremely thankful to Raleigh for presenting the series this year.”
In addition to Raleigh Bicycles as the Presenting Sponsor for MFG Cyclocross, MFG Series Sponsors included Beyond Clothing, Black Diamond, Brouwer’s Café, Cascade Bicycle Studio, The Cycling House, Full Speed Ahead, Herriott Sports Performance, Izilla Toys, Lazer Helmets, Mavic, Nuun Active Hydration, Rapha, Stanley , uBRDO, and VN Signs. MFG received additional sponsorship support from Thule , Deschutes Brewery, Cyclocross Magazine, and Starbucks Coffee.
“It’s not lost on us that despite a very trying economic year in the bicycle industry, sponsors were extremely generous and creative in their sponsorship support,” said Buchanan. ” It’s our hope that MFG participants see the tangible support all sponsors provided this year.”
MFG Cyclocross opened it’s inaugural season on September 13th with the uBRDO Kick Off Cross at Big Finn Hill Park. The series continued with stops at the Rad Racing GP, the Starbucks Cycling GP, Cross Clash, King County CX, and concluded with the crown jewel at one of Seattle premiere parks, Woodland Park .
Series winners for MFG Year 1 include:
- Men’s Elite: Ryan Iddings, Lapierre Bicycles
- Women’s Elite: Jenni Gaertner, Riverstone Women’s Racing
- Men’s 1/2 Master 35+: Todd Gallagher, Thumbprint Racing
- Women’s Master 35+: Jitka Cole, Starbucks Cycling
- Men’s Singlespeed: Jason Williams, Cucina Fresca
The MFG Cyclocross series will return to Seattle for 2010, with an expanded schedule and familiar venues. For more information on MFG Cyclocross, visit http://www.mfgcyclocross.com.
