Last chances to win trips to the Nature Valley Grand Prix coming up

The 2009 Nature Valley Pro Ride will conclude in less than three weeks. Four amateur riders, two men and two women, have already won trips to the Nature Valley Grand Prix, where they’ll have the full pro experience as they race for the Nature Valley Cycling Team. They’ll be joined by four men and four women selected at upcoming events.

“I made the commitment to drive the 13hrs to St Louis for the Hillsboro-Roubaix road race” wrote Chris Winn in his blog. “Long way to go for a bunch of Coloradans for a weekend suffer-fest, . . . The race was the second qualifier event for the Nature Valley Pro Ride, a chance for amateurs to get the complete pro package treatment in a composite team for the Nature Valley Stage Race in June.” It was a successful trip for Winn, who became the second man to qualify for the Nature Valley Cycling Team.

“The Nature Valley Pro Ride is a wonderful opportunity to give one the most prestigious races in the United States a go, racing on a team with some of the best amateur riders in the nation,” said women’s qualifier Sydney Brown. “I hope each of us will be able to fit our individual aspirations into what's good for the team.”

With two races in the books, there are only four chances left to win trips to the Nature Valley Grand Prix. Those remaining spots will be filled in the next two and a half weeks.

April 25 & 26 * - Wente Vineyards. San Francisco, CA
May 2 & 3 * - Glenwood & Longbranch Road Races, Seattle, WA
May 3 - San Luis Rey Road Race, San Diego, CA
May 10 - Bear Mountain Road Race New York, NY


Each rider selected in the Nature Valley Pro Ride will receive a travel stipend, free entry, housing accommodations, and full team support. They will make public appearances, get pre-race introductions, participate in autograph sessions, and race in front of crowds in excess of 50,000 during this five-day stage race. This program provides riders with a full professional experience and is only available to the Nature Valley Pro Ride winners.

Visit www.NatureValleyProRide.com for more information.


About the Nature Valley Grand Prix
The Nature Valley Grand Prix, part of the Minnesota Bicycle Festival, began as a one-day criterium in Saint Paul in 1999. Its schedule and prestige have grown steadily until now, in its 11th year, it is ranked at the top of the USA Cycling National Racing Calendar. The 2009 Nature Valley Grand Prix schedule includes a unique mix of three criteriums (short circuit races), two road races and a time trial as the stages of the race move from downtown Saint Paul, to Cannon Falls, to the Uptown in Minneapolis, to Mankato, and, finally culminates in Stillwater. For more information visit: www.NatureValleyGrandPrix.com

About Nature Valley
Nature Valley, the brand that created the granola bar category in 1975, brings variety to healthy, active consumers looking for wholesome and great-tasting snacks. Headquartered in Minneapolis, Nature Valley is part of General Mills, a leading global manufacturer and marketer of consumer foods products.