BRECKENRIDGE, Colo. (April 15, 2009) – Shimano and the Greenspeed Project, Inc, promoters of The Breck Epic Mountain Bike Stage Race are pleased to announce that Shimano has signed on as presenting sponsor of the inaugural 6-day event to be held from July 5-10 in Breckenridge, CO. In addition to occupying the ‘presenting’ role, Shimano will become the official and exclusive partner for drivetrain components, brakes, wheels and shoes.

“It made a lot of sense for us,” said race director Mike McCormack, “mountain bike stage races are populated by core enthusiasts and high-functioning racers; each rider a successful athlete in their own right. And they’re demanding of their equipment. The Breck Epic course is pretty rugged – 90% of the course is what any normal person would define as ‘mountain biking.’ Over the span of 6 days at race pace, their gear is going see very hard duty. Shimano offered a very thoughtful, racer-focused package that included tremendous on-site support. Their involvement makes our event significantly better.”

“Being part of Greenspeed’s events allows Shimano to support key consumers as well as continuing our global initiative of bringing people closer to nature,” said Shimano’s Dave Arnauckas. “Land access is a critical element to our business. We’re proud to be associated with a forward thinking promoter.”

In addition to providing on-site technical support to augment the existing mechanical support team, Shimano will also be involved in The Greenspeed Project’s other events, most notably USA Cycling’s Marathon National Championship, “The Firecracker 50,” (July 4, 2009) an ultra-endurance backcountry cyclocross race “Crossifixion” (September 20, 2009) and The Copper Mountain Twilight Criteriums, slated for the weekend of September 12th, 2009.