The slowed economy has already felled one race on USA Cycling's NRC this year, and now a second is in danger of being consigned.
San Francisco, Calif. – Organizers of the San Francisco Twilight Criterium are putting out an appeal for additional corporate sponsorship to ensure this year’s race will take place.
The widely successful event that was run in the shadow of the Golden Gate Bridge attracted large crowds and a quality field in its inaugural edition last year. But given the current economic climate, more financial backing is needed to make the Sept. 5 race a reality, said race director Ryan Dawkins of Project Sport, LLC.
“Companies all over the country are tightening their belts, particularly when it comes to sponsorship,” Dawkins said. “Our hope is that there is someone out there who realizes the benefits of putting their name on an exciting, family-friendly event that promotes the healthy lifestyle cherished by so many Bay Area cyclists and San Francisco dwellers.”
Daniel Ramsey (TIME PRO Cycling) and Shelley Olds (PROMAN Professional Cycling Team) emerged as the winners of last year’s men’s and women’s professional races, which featured national champions, former Olympians and a combined $15,000 prize purse. The race through the Cow Hollow district – which includes “the Rodeo Drive of San Francisco” – was also the final one before retirement for two-time Olympian and 2004 National U.S. Time Trial Champion Christine Thorburn (Webcor).
This year, the San Francisco Twilight Criterium has further increased its stature by becoming part of USA Cycling’s National Race Calendar (NRC).
Dawkins said that a number of sponsors have signed up, but that a title sponsor is needed within the next 30 days in order for this year’s race to proceed. The race is certainly not alone in its struggle to make ends meet. Already, several NRC races around the country have been canceled due to sponsorship issues.
“We would hate to postpone our race after the fantastic crowd turnout and exciting races we had last year,” Dawkins said. “But we also know that we set the bar high and we do not want to lower our standards when it comes to putting on a quality event.”
Companies that are interested in becoming part of this year’s San Francisco Twilight Criterium can contact Dawkins directly at 415.287.4253 or by e-mailing him at ryan@projectsport.com.
For more information on the San Francisco Twilight Criterium, visit www.sftwilight.com.
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