Garmin-Barracuda to ride Sonoma Napa Gran Fondo

Garmin-Barracuda Team Members to Ride the Echelon Sonoma Napa Gran Fondo

Registration is now open

SONOMA, CA (January 18, 2012) - For the third year, the Echelon Gran Fondo is back in the wine country announcing a new start/finish in Sonoma, just 21 miles from the start of the Amgen Tour of California (ATOC).  In honor of Sonoma Valley Hospital and Charity of Choice, Team Garmin-Barracuda will support the event including passing near the start of the Amgen Tour of California (ATOC) that begins in Santa Rosa the next day.

The Gran Fondo will start at 9 AM on May 12, 2012 with 11 (super mini kids fondo), 50 and 75 mile ride options that include parts of the Napa Valley. “We are really excited about having Team Garmin-Barracuda support the event this year as well as our Sonoma start,” said Echelon’s event director, Michael Sexton.“ The new course is outstanding and includes northern parts of Napa Valley that we could not get to last year such as the Dry Creek, Mt Veeder and Trinity grade.”  The Garmin-Barracuda team, which captured the Best Team classification at the 2011 ATOC and placed Tom Danielson on the podium with 3rd overall, will be there for the ceremonial start and will lead out the fondo just a day before they begin the 5th annual ATOC. At the ATOC, 18 professional bike teams including Garmin-Barracuda will compete in an eight-day stage race that finishes in Southern California. 

Team Garmin-Barracuda is the top American professional cycling team dedicated to ethical sport and developing the next generation of cycling champions. Since its inception the team has placed riders in the top 10 of the Tour de France, and in the 2011 edition, the team placed the top American in the race (Tom Danielson, 9th overall), won the Team Time Trial, captured a total of four stage wins, held the yellow jersey for eight days, and won Best Team Overall. 

“We look forward to the Amgen Tour of California every year, and this year is extra special because we are excited to take part in the Gran Fondo to raise funds for local community partnerships and Charity of Choice,” said Jonathan Vaughters, CEO, Slipstream Sports. 

Garmin Corporation has been a title sponsor of the Echelon Gran Fondo series since its inception and donates merchandise including the Garmin Edge 500 and 800 GPS cycling computers to top fundraisers.

Media Contacts:

Team Garmin-Barracuda

Marya Pongrace

Email: Marya.pongrace@slipstreamsports.com 

U.S. Mobile: 347-698-3412

Here are our dates so far for 2012: 

Napa CA Gran Fondo--Saturday May 12
The Napa gran fondo will now feature a start/finish just 21 miles from the start of the Amgen Tour of California professional bike race (TOC). This exciting new course will include some great new climbs and scenic parts of the wine country, as well as a to be announced very special guest of honor pro team that will ride along side of you.

Full details will be out in early January 16. This will be a great weekend to travel to California!

Hood River OR Gran Fondo, Saturday September 22

Palo Alto, CA--Sunday, September 16 (Gran Fondo & Challenge)

Registration and Charity of Choice open on Jan. 16

Both registration and Charity of Choice launch on January 16.  Charity of Choice is a new and very cool online platform that will enable people to fundraise around any activity, event, and for your preferred charity. Cycling partner events include the USA Gran Fondo series, the Gran Fondo Canada series, as well as the NY Gran Fondo and the Sea Otter Gran Fondo.