PHILADELPHIA, Pa. (March 18, 2008) – Cycling teams from seven nations have been selected to compete in the American Eagle Outfitters Tour of Pennsylvania, presented by Highmark Healthy High 5®, a U-25 cycling stage race taking place from June 24 thru June 29, 2008, which is part of the year-long celebration marking the 250th anniversary of the naming of Pittsburgh. At least thirteen more six-man squads will be named by the end of March as organizers continue to review applications received from over fifty professional and elite amateur cycling squads from the U.S. and abroad.

The first seven teams selected are from Argentina, Australia, Belgium, Canada, Ireland, Netherlands and South Africa. Also being considered are teams from Germany, France, Italy and Spain as well as domestic professional and elite amateur teams from a dozen states across the U.S.

"The selection process is complicated with many more teams wanting to enter than can be accepted," said David Chauner, executive race director of the six day international stage race. "The goal is to select a well-balanced, competitive field made up of teams with experienced young riders who represent the future of the sport." According to Chauner, each team will include riders who have represented their country in international competition, won national age category championships and are destined to future greatness in the sport’s flagship events like the Olympics and Tour de France. "Since all racers must be 24 or under, this is an exciting way to identify the next wave of superstars, not unlike what March Madness is to the NBA," said Chauner.

Just being invited to the dance is a major accomplishment since the Tour of Pennsylvania offers $150,000 in total prize money, the richest in the world for Espoir class riders. Plus Host Presenters are being recruited by Pittsburgh 250 race organizers, to help defray travel, lodging and meal costs of the international teams coming to Pennsylvania for the week long event.

The American Eagle Outfitters Tour of Pennsylvania Presented by Highmark Healthy High 5® -- begins with a prologue time trial and circuit race in Philadelphia on June 24th and will have start/finish locations in Downingtown, Carlisle, Camp Hill, Bedford, Latrobe and Ligonier before concluding in Pittsburgh on June 29 after over 450 miles of racing. The race is a signature sporting event for Pittsburgh 250, a commission established to celebrate Pittsburgh’s 250th anniversary in 2008.



First selected international teams include:

Country Team

Argentina (ARG) Esco-Telefonicos

Australia (AUS) Praties Cycling Team

Belgium (BEL) Johann Bruyneel Cycling Academy

Canada (CN) Team RACE

Ireland (IRE) Pezula Racing

Netherlands (NED) Global Cycling

South Africa (RSA) Konica Minolta Cycling Team