New pro race for Armstrong’s hometown of Austin
By Tim Maloney, European Editor
Big time professional cycling for both men and women is coming to Austin, Texas, the hometown of seven time Tour De France winner Lance Armstrong next June. The Austin International is a new race that has already earned a prestigious 1.1 UCI rating for its first edition. Executive Director of the Austin Sports Commission Matthew Payne declared “On behalf of the City of Austin, the Austin Sports Commission is very excited to welcome the Austin International in June 2007. It will be one of the first international sporting events ever hosted in Austin and will continue to distinguish our city as a true global destination. It will be a great new event for our corporate sponsors, the city of Austin and all of the avid cyclists that are proud to call Austin their home.”
The 2007 Austin International, slated for June 17, 2007, will feature a pro men’s and women’s race and will be evaluated as a potential Women’s World Cup event for 2008.