On Tuesday, June 10, cyclists from across the country will gather at the Rasmussen College Women’s Cycling Summit from 6:30 - 9 p.m. at the I-35W Holiday Inn in Bloomington to continue charting the future of women’s cycling. Part of the Great River Energy Bicycle Festival, the Summit is an opportunity for women to celebrate women’s cycling, learn about the latest initiatives in their sport and discuss issues of common concern.

The conference will begin with two team presentations. The Nature Valley Women’s Cycling Team will have been selected for the Nature Valley Grand Prix using qualifier races in California, Missouri and Pennsylvania, a first-of-its-kind program titled the Nature Valley Pro Ride. The Ryan Collegiate All-Stars, a women’s team selected for the Nature Valley Grand Prix at the USA Cycling Collegiate National Championships, is in its second year and this team will also be introduced.

Presentations and panel discussions at the 2008 Rasmussen College Women’s Cycling Summit include:

• Keynote address: The U.S. National Team program and the prospects for U.S. women at the Beijing Olympics. Jim Miller, head of endurance programs for USA Cycling.

• How riders move up each rung of the ladder, from local racing to the pro ranks. Panelists will include two leaders in the Minnesota women’s cycling community: Paula Plant, Verve Cycling and coordinator of the entry-level Midwest Women’s Cycling Made Real, and Paula Bohte, Minneapolis Bicycle Racing Club. They will be joined by Paul Forsythe, director of the nationally based Team Kenda Tire development program, and Nicola Cranmer, director of Proman Cycling, a professional team that includes both road and track cyclists. The panel will be moderated by USA Cycling’s Jim Miller.

• How teams can return value to their sponsors throughout the season. Panelists will include Dan Stangler, Wheaties brand manager; Stephanie Scott, events marketing manager from the Jelly Belly Candy Company; Ron Kadera, owner of County Cycles; and Katie Mattis, an account manager at RPM Connect, a national marketing agency based in Minneapolis with many major brands on its client list. Panel will be moderated by Valory Gilpin, marketing director for Rasmussen College.

A special feature of the 2008 Rasmussen College Women’s Cycling Summit is the invitation of area women racers who participated in a local criterium race earlier that evening. Following the State Fairgrounds Criterium, which will run from 5:15 – 5:55 PM, amateur racers will board the Freewheel Bike Party Bus and shuttle to the Summit.

The conference is free and open to the public. The Summit takes place from 6:30 – 9 p.m. at the I-35W Holiday Inn in Bloomington, Minn.