Archives: Press Releases

DENVER, Colo. – March 12, 2025 – The Outside Summit, the outdoor industry gathering happening in tandem with the Outside Festival on May 29 to June 1, 2025, is pleased to announce an open call for submissions to Outside Ignite, a new pitch competition for outdoor startup companies with prizing valued at over $100,000 in combined cash and advertising value.

“Outside Ignite is more than just a startup opportunity—we see it as a catalyst for fresh ideas and bold innovation that will impact and support the future of our industry,” said Robin Thurston, CEO of Outside Interactive Inc. “Progress in our category relies on embracing new perspectives and business models that challenge the status quo. This competition, and the Outside Summit as a whole, is part of our broader commitment to keeping this industry dynamic, inclusive, and capable of driving real change.”

Outside Ignite is open to new businesses across hard goods, soft goods, services, and technology within the outdoor, health and wellness, and active lifestyle industries, from seed stages to series A. Startups interested in submitting a proposal must demonstrate a clear, positive impact on the outdoor industry and a detailed articulation of the innovative market opportunity. Once submissions close on April 11, a panel of judges will select up to five finalists to present their pitch on the first day of the Outside Summit on May 29 in Denver.

Finalists will take the stage before the judging panel and an audience of Outside Summit badge holders* to briefly present their pitches followed by a Q&A window with the judges. Judges will award a first-place prize package worth $100,000 in combined cash, media, and legal services, and a runner-up prize valued at $50,000 in advertising. The audience will then vote for the recipient of the Outside Ignite People’s Choice Award, sponsored by REI Co-op Path Ahead Ventures, valued at $20,000 in advertising and cash. Awarded advertising will be executed across Outside’s platform of over 25 brands and legacy media titles, reaching an audience of over 100 million registered users, helping early startups bring critical awareness to their brands. All prize winners will be announced at the Outside Summit on May 30, 2025.

More information on submissions, winner selection, and prizes can be found here.

Sponsors for Outside Ignite include REI Co-op Path Ahead Ventures, NEXT VENTURES, Cooley LLP, Colorado Outdoor Recreation Industry Office, ICELab, and Outside for Business.

*Purchasing an Outside Summit badge is not required to apply, present at, or win Outside Ignite, but is required to attend as an audience member.###

Media Contact:

Rachel Weiss rachel.weiss@backbone.media

Photo and Video Assets (Credit Outside)

About the Outside Festival and Summit

The second annual Outside Festival and Summit will take place in downtown Denver from May 29 – June 1, 2025. The Outside Festival, presented by Capital One and REI, May 31 – June 1, is a celebration of everything outdoors, featuring music, films, speakers, gear, and more. The event is driven by a partnership between Outside Interactive, Inc., The State of Colorado’s Outdoor Recreation Office, and Visit Denver—all with a shared vision to make the outdoors more accessible and more inclusive. The Outside Summit, May 29 – June 1, 2025, is the outdoor industry’s premier networking conference. For more information, including tickets, please visit theoutsidefestival.com.

About Outside Interactive, Inc.

Outside Interactive, Inc. is the premier destination for outdoor inspiration, activation, and celebration. Each year, Outside reaches more than 300 million unique users and has more than 100 million registered users across its network of 25 media, service, and utility brands, including Outside, MapMyFitness, Velo, Yoga Journal, Pinkbike, Gaia GPS, Trailforks, athleteReg, and more. Outside’s mission is to get everyone outside, experiencing healthy, connected, and fulfilling lives by creating an experience for both longtime adventurers and those just getting started. Outside’s subscription offering, Outside+, bundles best-in-class storytelling, videos, gear reviews, mapping apps, online courses, discounted event access, and more. Learn more at outsideonline.com/outsideplus.

 

BOULDER, Colo. (March 12, 2025) – Matador Travel Equipment, renowned for its commitment to innovation and quality, is excited to introduce the GlobeRider35 Travel Backpack, designed and built for the world traveler with endless organization and an ultra-comfortable carry harness inspired by leading outdoor designs. The GlobeRider35 combines thoughtful engineering with rugged performance and is an expansion of Matador’s generalist travel bags, which includes the award-winning GlobeRider45.

With 35 liters of capacity and a soft-sided design, the GlobeRider35 meets most airline carry-on requirements. It’s loaded with organization and offers dual main compartment access – with a lay-flat clamshell design with flexible internal organization and an innovative top zipper for backpack-style access during transit.

“We had a lot of customer requests for a smaller version of our popular GlobeRider45 travel pack, but we had to make sure we didn’t lose the essence of the pack when we made the bite-size version,” said Chris Clearman, founder and CEO of Matador. “Just like its big brother, the Globerider35 is built for true global travel. It’ll handle whatever you throw at it. We even added a few enhancements along the way, like a top access zipper to easily get at your gear while in transit. This new pack is carry-on sized, but it still hits all the marks and makes every trip just that much smoother.”

The GlobeRider35 combines the high-performance construction of an outdoor backpack with the sleek, modern design of a travel-forward pack. Its comfortable, outdoor-inspired carry harness is paired with a full internal frame and an aluminum framestay for stability, and a cushioned back panel and shoulder straps.

Additional key features include:

• Padded and removable hip belt and sternum strap for additional support
• Rolling luggage handle pass-through
• External access admin pocket with layered organization
• Dual-access padded laptop pocket, with protected false-bottom and magnetic closure
• Zipper security loops on all external pockets
• Grab handles on top, front, back, side and bottom
• Durable, recycled materials that meet Bluesign® criteria

Matador’s GlobeRider35 (MSRP: $289.99) is available in Black, Garnet and Arctic White now at select retailers and online at http://www.matadorequipment.com/ .

ABOUT MATADOR TRAVEL EQUIPMENT
Matador, based in Boulder, CO, designs high-performance adventure travel equipment engineered for objective-based travel. The team’s strengths in design, material technology, and construction give them an edge in developing innovative products that bring outdoor expertise to the pursuit of travel. For more information about Matador, visit MatadorEquipment.com.

MANCOS, Colo. (March 11, 2025) – More than 20 years ago, Sheri Tingey set out to build a better backcountry boat. That idea turned into Alpacka Raft, and today, she joins Inc.’s 2025 Female Founders 500 list—recognized for her impact on the outdoor industry and her role in revolutionizing packrafting. The list honors a bold group of 500 women whose innovations and ideas are leading their industries forward. These resilient entrepreneurs expressed grit and drive to collectively attract approximately $9 billion in 2024 revenue and $10.6 billion in funding.

Each year, Inc. editors review thousands of applications highlighting female founders who are challenging the status quo and tackling some of the world’s biggest problems, and cull applicants through three rounds of judging, looking specifically at an entrepreneur’s bona fides in the past year. Criteria include quantifiable metrics such as revenue, sales, revenue growth, funding, and audience size. Inc. also looks for qualitative metrics, including social media momentum and stories of impact.

The founders cross all industries and bring their unique stories of success from each stage of the entrepreneurial journey — from startup to going public, being acquired by big buyers, or spending decades at the helm of an organization.

Tingey’s path to founding Alpacka Raft was anything but traditional. After years of building a career in outdoor apparel, she was forced to step away from her business due to a debilitating illness. For years, she struggled with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, slowly rebuilding her strength. Then, in 2000, her son, Thor, returned from a trip in Alaska with a failing packraft and asked, “Can you make me a better boat?” That question rekindled her passion for design and led her to develop a lightweight, durable, high-performance packraft—a product that didn’t exist at the time. What began as a passion project quickly gained traction, and soon, Alpacka Raft was redefining human-powered access to remote waterways.

This documentary film highlights Tingey’s incredible story, tracing her history in the outdoor space and showing us all that it’s never too late to follow your passion.

“The outdoors should be for everyone,” said Tingey. “But for too long, many people—including women—felt like they had to prove they belonged. That’s shifting, and I’m incredibly honored to be included on this list alongside so many amazing women who are driving change in their fields. It’s exciting to see more women shaping the future of business, design, and exploration. When I started Alpacka Raft, there were few women leading outdoor brands, and while we’ve made progress, there’s still work to do to ensure more women have opportunities to innovate, build, and lead in this space. I hope my story helps inspire the next generation to push boundaries, take risks, and create something that truly matters to them.”

More than two decades later, Alpacka Raft remains the leader in modern packrafting, with its boats used worldwide by explorers, conservationists, and athletes navigating some of the most remote landscapes on Earth. Each packraft is still handmade in the company’s Mancos, Colorado factory, ensuring the same craftsmanship, innovation, and attention to detail that started it all – with 79-year-old Sheri Tingey leading the design of every boat that bears the Alpacka Raft name.

“Female founders know what struggle is, but they’re also experts of improvisation, adaptability, and creativity. The women featured on this year’s list exemplify these qualities. Through times of uncertainty, their unwavering dedication and steadfast leadership are not only inspiring but vital to driving progress,” said Inc. executive editor Diana Ransom.

Several honorees will be featured in Inc. magazine’s Female Founders issue, on newsstands March 18, 2025. To see the complete list of honorees, please visit: https://www.inc.com/female-founders
About Inc.
Inc. is the leading media brand and playbook for the entrepreneurs and business leaders shaping our future. Through its journalism, Inc. aims to inform, educate, and elevate the profile of its community: the risk-takers, the innovators, and the ultra-driven go-getters who are creating the future of business. Inc. is published by Mansueto Ventures LLC, along with fellow leading business publication Fast Company. For more information, visit www.inc.com.

About Alpacka Raft
Founded in 2000 by mother and son team Sheri and Thor Tingey, Alpacka Raft makes the world’s best packrafts. With packrafts designed and handmade by a talented group of makers in its Mancos, Colorado facility, Alpacka Raft packrafts have been used and trusted on expeditions by some of the world’s most well-known adventurers. Alpacka Raft is committed to building a diverse community of boaters and is proud to provide high-quality, living-wage manufacturing jobs in a rural, mountain-town economy. For more information, visit alpackaraft.com

 

BROOKLYN, N.Y. –  (March 11, 2025) – Ozmo, a family-focused, enhanced helmet brand, announces its Kickstarter campaign for the Sidekick Helmet, the first e-bike helmet engineered specifically for children ages one and up. Launching today, the campaign provides backers a chance to pre-order this category-defining helmet design combining advanced safety, patented durability, and unconventional charm customization. Early participants secure the Sidekick up to 50% off and save even more when they bundle.

The Kickstarter campaign runs for 30 days, ending April 10, with an initial funding goal of $10,000 to bring the Sidekick to market. Backers will enjoy exclusive rewards, including bundles of helmets and accessories at early-bird pricing. After April 10, the Sidekick will be available for pre-order online at ozmohelmets.com. Ozmo is also partnering with Propel, Brooklyn’s top e-bike destination, to enhance the family experience at its flagship store with a focus on kids’ safety, featuring the Sidekick helmet.

The Sidekick, with Multi-Directional Impact Protection System (Mips Technology), redefines safety for young riders with features tailored to the growing popularity of urban commuting among families. It exceeds safety certifications, with an e-bike certification of up to 28 mph. Providing maximum impact protection, the Sidekick is positioned as the premier choice for kids wherever they ride. The helmet meets the following specifications: NTA8776, a global e-bike safety rating; Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) approval; and EN1078, a European safety standard specifically for helmets.

“The Sidekick isn’t just filling a gap, it’s creating an entirely new category of protection for young e-bike passengers,” said Kenneth Perkins, founder of Ozmo Helmets. “As the popularity of e-bike participation increases, families need enhanced safety solutions designed for this new era of cycling and its next generation.”

Key features include:

• E-bike-Specific Safety: Provides protection for the speeds and dynamics of e-bike rides, providing peace of mind for parents.
• Durable Design: A reinforced shell with strategically placed shock absorbers for unprecedented durability.
• Adjustable Fit for Ages One+: Two kid-specific sizes and a dial fit system accommodates precise sizing for young riders as they grow, ensuring a secure, snug fit.
• Playful and Fun: Bright, bold colors and playful designs pair with the patent-pending Charm Slide for infinite customization.
• Eco-Friendly Packaging: Sustainable materials and processes reinforce Ozmo’s commitment to the environment.
• Cold Weather Kit: The Cold Weather Kit adds warmth for young riders during colder months and is easily installed by replacing existing pads with a vented knit top and inserting insulated ear pieces to retain heat.
• FlipShield: The FlipShield protects eyes from wind and dust, enabling young riders to stay comfortable. It is attached with a patent-pending hinge allowing the shield to flip forward, making it simple to take the helmet on-and-off.

###

About Ozmo
Founded in 2022 in Brooklyn, New York by Kenny Perkins and Casey Charron, Ozmo emerged in response to the growing trend of urban families choosing bike-based transportation over cars. Inspired by the concept of osmosis, how children absorb the world around them, the brand’s mission is to design helmets that meet the new safety demands of electric and urban biking. The Ozmo team’s deep experience in the safety and engineering fields has driven them to create helmets that exceed industry standards, so families can confidently explore the city together.

Media Contact
Charlotte Daher de Garcia

CGPR

charlotte@cgprpublicrelations.com

RALEIGH, N.C., March 11, 2025—For the first time, Shibumi, maker of the world’s most innovative, wind-powered beach shade, is launching a lineup of vibrant, limited-edition colorways. Whether the colors reflect personal style or a nod to hometown pride, these limited-edition releases allow beachgoers everywhere to embrace effortless shade wherever they lounge. The first new color in the collection is the Purple & Gold Shibumi Shade, set to launch on March 11, 2025.

Founded in 2016 by two brothers and their childhood friend, Shibumi’s signature teal and blue fabrics dominate North and South Carolina beaches. Now, with plans to expand to coastlines internationally, the brand is launching its first new colorway, an iconic duo, purple and gold.

The Purple & Gold Shibumi Shade will be available on March 11 in both Classic (for up to eight people) and Mini (for up to four people) styles. Each shade maintains the effortless, easy-to-carry and set up, wind-powered design that has made Shibumi the go-to choice for stress-free beach days.

Additional Shibumi Shade colors will roll out throughout the spring and summer.

About Shibumi

Founded in 2016 by two brothers and their best friend in North Carolina, Shibumi has redefined shade with its lightweight, wind-powered, easy-to-use designs. What started as a solution to improve the founders’ own beach experience has grown into a global sensation, with Shibumi Shades found on over 800 beaches worldwide. In 2025, Shibumi continues to innovate with its first-ever colorway collection, bringing style, sun protection, and relaxation to every beach setup. For more information, visit shibumishade.com or follow @ShibumiShade on Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook

{Seattle, WA ⏤ March 10, 2025} ⏤ Nikwax, the global leader in PFAS-free aftercare and waterproofing solutions, proudly announces the launch of its Direct.Dry Down line—an innovation that redefines waterproof down with unmatched performance and sustainability.

This cutting-edge range of PFAS-free products offers three distinct performance levels, including the industry’s top performer in the shake test, ensuring outdoor brands can choose the right hydrophobic down solution for their needs:

• Direct.Dry Down 1K: Achieves up to 1,000 minutes of shake time, suitable for both recycled and virgin down, making it versatile for all types of down products.
• Direct.Dry Down 5K: Delivers exceptional hydrophobic performance with up to 5,000 minutes of shake time on premium virgin duck and goose down.
• Direct.Dry Down 25K: Sets a new benchmark with a world leading 25,000 minutes of shake time, offering unparalleled protection and performance on premium virgin duck and goose down for the most demanding conditions.

Key features of the Direct.Dry Down range include:

• Unmatched Water Resistance: Direct.Dry Down 25K withstands rigorous testing, maintaining its loft and breathability even when exposed to water for an astonishing 17 days, ensuring users stay dry, warm, and comfortable in wet environments where standard down fails.
• Durable Performance: Engineered for longevity, this range is designed to perform exceptionally well with Nikwax aftercare products, extending the life of outdoor gear.
• Sustainable: The Direct.Dry Down range is PFAS-Free, bluesign® APPROVED and only available on RDS, GTDS certified or recycled down.

Brian Davidson, CEO of Nikwax, stated, “For over a decade, Nikwax has been at the forefront of waterproof down technology, and with the Direct.Dry Down range, we are proud to set a new standard in performance and sustainability. Our commitment to innovation continues to empower brands to create award-winning products that meet the highest industry standards.”

For brands interested in considering Direct.Dry Down, please contact Direct.Dry@nikwax.com.

About Nikwax
Founded in 1977, Nikwax is the trusted global leader in environmentally responsible cleaning and waterproofing solutions that extend the performance life of outdoor clothing, footwear, and equipment. The brand also supplies top-performing PFAS-free DWR and hydrophobic down applications for outdoor brands. Nikwax’s 47-year commitment to clean chemistry means never using PFAS or aerosols and not testing on animals. Its product line is water-based and non-persistent, and all product bottles and lids are made from 100% post-consumer recycled plastic that can also be recycled. Nikwax has carbon balanced all 47 years of its operations and became an employee-owned trust in 2022. For media inquiries and more information, please contact Kate Ketschek at Revolution House Media, kate@revolutionhousemedia.com.

HIGH PERFORMANCE | LOW IMPACT

Nikwax.com

 

 

{Dover, NH—March 10, 2025} — NEMO Equipment, the award-winning, New England–based outdoor company, has signed on Escala Sales & Marketing to represent and grow their business in the Eastern Canada region. This strategic move aligns the U.S. brand with a long-standing Canadian agency that is committed to telling the NEMO story of innovation, community, and sustainability.

Started in 1998 by Principal Partner and Sales Manager Mellissa Trudel, Escala Sales & Marketing is a bilingual rep agency known for representing the best outdoor brands to the top specialty shops in Eastern Canada. A small but dedicated team of five, Escala works with respected brands like Patagonia, JetBoil, Sea to Summit, and more.

“We are thrilled to be joining the NEMO family,” said Trudel. “We’re on the same page when it comes to their passion for adventure, their commitment to innovation, and our shared responsibility for the impact we have on the planet.”

“It was clear from the start that Escala’s passion, integrity, and values were a match for us,” said Mike Welch, Senior VP of Global Sales for NEMO. “Their dedication to service and education fits the opportunities we see in the market, and we look forward to seeing how they can further bolster our presence in Eastern Canada.”

About NEMO    
NEMO is a New Hampshire-based outdoor gear company known for creating award-winning products that are built to last, comfortable, and fun to use. The brand has been named Outdoor Brand of the Year by The Daily by Outdoor Retailer, and one of Outside Magazine’s and Business New Hampshire’s Best Places to Work. NEMO has also been recognized as a small business leader for the environment by New Hampshire Businesses for Social Responsibility. NEMO’s reputation for design innovation across its product lines—tents, sleeping bags, sleeping pads, camp accessories, and furniture—is an outgrowth of its design philosophy to never bring anything to market that doesn’t offer a meaningfully better experience. NEMO’s team of designers and engineers are motivated by a passion for outdoor adventure and sustainability.

Adventure Anywhere. Adventure for Anyone. Adventure Forever.®      

 

 

 

 

The best just got even better. Thule Verse sets the new standard for safety, durability, and ease of use for hitch-mounted platform bike carriers. Developed from the award-winning Thule T2 line, the original platform hitch rack that pioneered the no-frame contact design nearly two decades ago, this revolutio- nary bike carrier has been redesigned from the ground up. With a sleek aesthetic and premium styling, Thule Verse has a greater range of bike fits, easier-to-use features, and even more capacity than its predecessor. Thule Verse will be available on March 4, 2025, in the United States and Canada.

Award-winning rack design

Thule Verse comes to market with a patented outboard release handle, providing easy hand-activated tilting for rear cargo access with or without bikes mounted on the rack. The release handle also allows the rack to quickly tilt up and stow vertically when not in use, reducing the amount of space it occupies behind the vehicle.

As is expected with any Thule bike carrier, Thule Verse provides superior bike protection and security. The independent single attachment arm secures your bike by safely clamping down on the front wheel, eliminating frame contact and securing the bike to the rack quickly. With 11.4” of spacing between bike positions, independent on-the-fly tray adjustments for the wheels, and a new soft-touch attachment arm with increased fork clearance, bikes are loaded easily with the peace of mind that they’ll be safe on your journey.

Thule Verse offers improved carrying capacity and versatility by accommodating wheelbases ranging from 34-53” and larger tire sizes up to 5”. Each bike tray can carry bikes up to 60 lbs and accepts the Thule foldable loading ramp to assist with heavier e-bikes. And with the included 12 mm, theft-deterrent locking cable, security is offered when you’re away from your vehicle, too.

Accessories that add to the experience

Thule Verse is designed around a full line of purpose-built accessories that add to the experience, on and off the trail. The Thule Verse bike repair holder provides a perfect solution for repairs when you need it most, keeping you on the trails as long as possible. When the sun sets, stay safe and visible on the road with the Thule lights & license plate kit that attaches directly to the rack and connects to the vehicle’s trailer light hookup. For even greater convenience, attach the Thule transport wheels to the bottom of the rack to roll it on and off with ease.

 

SAN FRANCISCO (March 6, 2025) – JAM Collective, a premier boutique agency specializing in public relations, social media, communications, events, and strategic partnerships, proudly announces its 25th anniversary. Over the past quarter-century, JAM Collective has established itself as a trusted partner for some of the world’s most innovative and influential brands.

JAM Collective, founded in 2000 by Julie Atherton, has grown from a single-person endeavor to a thriving agency with a diverse team of experts known for delivering exceptional results that move the needle while building brands for the long haul. The agency has consistently demonstrated its ability to blend creativity, strategy, and deep industry knowledge to connect brands with consumers in authentic and impactful ways.

“Celebrating 25 years is a milestone that reflects the incredible relationships we’ve built with our clients, media, and partners,” said Julie Atherton, founder and CEO of JAM Collective. “I’m immensely proud of our team’s dedication and creativity, which have driven our success and will continue to shape our future.”

JAM Collective has worked with an impressive roster of brands across outdoor, lifestyle, fashion, and sustainability sectors, including these current clients: Arc’teryx, Snow Peak, OtterBox, LifeStraw, Thermos, Red Wing Heritage and Glerups. Known for crafting compelling stories and executing innovative campaigns, the agency has helped its clients achieve remarkable visibility and engagement in competitive markets.

A Legacy of Innovation and Impact

Throughout its history, JAM Collective has remained at the forefront of the industry, adapting to changing landscapes and leveraging its expertise to deliver tailored solutions. The agency’s work includes award-winning campaigns, virtual and in-person events, influencer partnerships, and thought leadership initiatives.

Testimonials from clients and media professionals underscore JAM Collective’s reputation as a leader in public relations:

• “We started working with JAM Collective for a specific product segment, but were so impressed with the team’s work that we quickly moved all of our consumer PR efforts there. The JAM team understands our business needs and our brands from top to bottom and are so creative about how to bring our stories to life via earned media and events. I don’t know of any PR firm that has a better reputation among media contacts.” – Kristen Tatti, Director of Integrated Marketing at OtterBox
• “Julie and her experienced team at JAM Collective have made a very real impact on Snow Peak’s reach and success in North America. Their hard work knows no bounds, and they’ve helped grow our brand to places we would have never aspired to be on our own.” – Mike Andersen, Senior Brand Manager
• “JAM works in lockstep with our team to deliver exceptional results and provide invaluable feedback, making them an integral part of our team.” – Marion Young, Director, Brand Communications, Arc’teryx

Looking Ahead

As JAM Collective celebrates this milestone, the agency remains committed to its mission of connecting brands with the people who will love them. With a steadfast focus on innovation and collaboration, JAM Collective is poised to build on its legacy, by delivering meaningful results for its clients while helping them navigate during economic, consumer and societal changes.

For more information about JAM Collective and its services, visit www.jamcollective.net.

About JAM Collective

JAM Collective is a boutique public relations and communications agency based in San Francisco, California. Since 2000, JAM Collective has partnered with leading brands to deliver strategic planning, media outreach, social media management, and event execution. With an emphasis on building authentic connections, JAM Collective has become a trusted name in the industry, representing some of the most respected names in outdoor, lifestyle, and sustainability markets.

Greenville, S.C. (March 6, 2025) – Now in its second year, the Greenville Cycling Classic presented by Prisma Health will return to downtown Greenville, S.C., on April 24, 2025, to kick off Speed Week 2025, a series of criteriums featuring some of the fastest cycling in the states. The Greenville Cycling Classic p/b Prisma Health will welcome some of the top men’s and women’s professional racers from around the United States, including thousands of spectators, to the heart of downtown Greenville for this fast-paced style of road cycling.

This event reinforces Greenville’s reputation as a premier cycling destination by drawing on its rich history of professional races. In 1986, the Michelin Cycling Classic became the first official pro race held right downtown—a tradition that continued for many years. Following that milestone, Greenville emerged as a favored venue for high-profile competitions like the Tour DuPont, the Olympic Torch Relay, and several US Professional National Championship events. Since 2012, the Hincapie Gran Fondo has attracted thousands of cyclists to the city each year to experience the scenic terrain of the Blue Ridge Mountains.

Additionally, in 2024, EF/ONTO Cycling began a junior development arm of the Hincapie Sportswear professional team, designed to create opportunities for emerging North American talent. Its junior riders have produced five National Championships, nine appointments to the US National Team, eight professional contracts, seven World Championship appearances, and a World Championship medal. A handful of EF/ONTO Cycling team junior riders will be participating in the Pro 1/2 Races at the Greenville Cycling Classic.

Now, with the return of the Greenville Cycling Classic, the legacy of professional cycling in downtown Greenville endures. Set on a compact, enclosed circuit, the intricate course winds its way through the vibrant city center, giving spectators an up-close view of the thrilling action. The Greenville event unfolds on an exhilarating one-kilometer loop featuring tight turns and rapid straightaways through downtown. The start/finish line, along with the evening festivities, will be centered on North Main Street at One Plaza.

“I’m excited to bring high-speed crit racing back to Greenville for its second year,” said George Hincapie, 17-time Tour de France veteran and five-time Olympian. “This event is a fantastic spring highlight for the entire community to enjoy, further enriching our blossoming cycling culture here in the Upstate.”

Schedule of events (view the course map here):

• 3:15 p.m. – Men’s Category 4/5 race
• 3:50 p.m. – Masters 35+
• 4:25 p.m. – Masters 50+
• 5:15 p.m. – Ride with the Tour de France Legends
• 5:55 p.m. – Men’s Category 2/3 race
• 6:55 p.m. – Women’s Pro 1/2/3 Category race
• 8:05 p.m. – Men’s Pro 1/2 Category race

The Tour de France Legends ride is free and open to all (riders must be aged 12 and older) and allows community members to join Greenville locals and retired professional cyclists George Hincapie, Christian Vande Velde, and Bobby Julich for a cruise around the course.

“I am thrilled to see the Greenville Cycling Classic return for its second year,” said Tim Brookshire, Chief Executive Officer, Prisma Health Greenville Memorial Campus. “This event not only showcases the incredible talent of professional cyclists but also highlights Greenville’s commitment to promoting a healthy and active lifestyle. Engaging in sports like cycling is a fantastic way for people to improve their health and well-being. Prisma Health is proud to support this exciting event that brings our community together and inspires people of all ages to embrace the joy of cycling and the benefits of an active lifestyle.”

The full event schedule, list of sponsors, volunteer opportunities, and additional details can be found on the event website: GreenvilleCyclingClassic.com. To register to ride, please visit https://www.bikereg.com/greenville-cycling-classic-pb-prisma-health. The registration deadline is the day before the race, April 23.

####

About Prisma Health:

Prisma Health is a private nonprofit health company with over 32,000 team members, 19 acute and specialty hospitals, 3,131 licensed beds, 320 practice sites, and more than 5,900 employed and independent clinicians across its clinically integrated inVio Health Network. Along with this innovative network, Prisma Health serves more than 1.6 million unique patients annually in its South Carolina and Tennessee service areas. Connect with Prisma Health on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and Twitter/X. Visit PrismaHealth.org.

About Hincapie:

Cycling is our life. It’s what we know, and it’s who we are. But we are not a bike company. We’re a people-who-ride-bikes company. We are cyclists, and we are makers. We are master craftsmen of custom-made, high-performance cycling apparel. Our team is our family. Not only do we design our cycling apparel, but we also make it in our family-run factory. We also create and run upscale cycling events. We have a restaurant and hotel that hosts visiting cyclists from all over the world. We manage a spring series of races. Cycling inspires everything we do, and every day we work even harder to improve the sport, make it more accessible to others, and build a strong community for future cyclists. Join us on our journey. Visit https://hincapie.com/.

About NOTUS Sports:

NOTUS Sports is a non-profit corporation whose mission is to attract, create, and manage high-profile sporting events to showcase the Upstate of South Carolina to everyone. Its efforts focus on strategically attracting and hosting sporting events to meet objectives such as: inclusive access to health, wellness, and outdoor recreation; economic and community development; quality of life enhancement; tourism impact; and international exposure for Greenville, South Carolina. More information can be found at www.notussports.org

About Speed Week:

Speed Week, now in its 19th season, is a collection of criteriums in Georgia and South Carolina. Criterium bicycle racing is an eco-urban sport that engages fans, young and old, in exciting racing action and downtown festivities. Speed Week is a highlight of the pro cycling season and draws cyclists from around the world, including Olympic medalists and world and national champions. More information can be found at www.speedweek.bike

Photo Library HERE