Priority Health Grand Cycling Classic

Thousands attend Second Annual Priority Health Grand Cycling Classic

Spectator-friendly Pro-Am Race brings Elite Athletes to Downtown Grand Rapids

(GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – Sept. 6, 2008) The Second Annual Priority Health Grand Cycling Classic drew thousands of spectators and some of the nation’s elite athletes to downtown Grand Rapids. More than 200 cyclists competed in the pro-am cycling race around the 1.2 kilometer circuit, reaching speeds of almost 40 miles per hour. The Priority Health Grand Cycling Classic featured a $30,000 purse with a series of six separate races. Riders from the Priority Health Cycling Team were among the athletes to compete.

“From world-class cyclists and a challenging competition to hundreds of spectators, the Priority Health Grand Cycling Classic exceeded expectations with one of the most exciting events of the season,” said Kimberly K. Horn, president and CEO of Priority Health. “Priority Health is proud to sponsor a race of this caliber, not only to support cycling, but to further our commitment to health and wellness in the community.”

This year’s top winners of the Priority Health Cycling Classic include:

Sr. Men’s (Category 4 & 5) – Mike Jones of Little Caesars/Kalamazoo Bike Club
Sr. Women’s (Category 2, 3 and 4) – Tara Tasma of Team Giant
Sr. Men’s (Category 2 & 3) – John Coyle of Wolverine
Masters 40+ (Category 1-4) – Robert Daksiewicz of Team Giant
Spectrum Health Pro Women’s (Category 1 & 2) – Tina Pic of Colavita/Sutter Home presented by Cooking Light
Pro Men’s (Category 1) – Russell Langley of Priority Health presented by Harley Davidson

The Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital Kids Race featured four races for children ages 9 and under. More than 250 kids participated as they rode their bikes around the race course and down Grand Rapids’ historic red brick streets. Race results and details about Priority Health’s Grand Cycling Classic can be found at priorityhealthclassic.com.

About Priority Health
Priority Health is a nationally recognized health plan company based in Michigan. It serves a half million members with a broad portfolio of products including commercial and government health plans. A nonprofit dedicated to providing all people access to affordable health care, Priority Health is Michigan’s top-rated health plan and ranks eleventh in the nation according to U.S. News & World Report and the National Committee for Quality Assurance. Priority Health employs 1,000 people throughout Michigan’s Lower Peninsula with offices in Grand Rapids, Farmington Hills, Holland, Jackson, Kalamazoo, Saginaw and Traverse City. For more information about Priority Health, visit priorityhealth.com.

About Celebration on the Grand
Celebration on the Grand is a community celebration that includes live music and entertainment, concessions and an incredible fireworks display. Now in its 28th year, Celebration on the Grand is wholly funded by corporate sponsorships and philanthropic gifts. All of the planning and organization of the event is managed by hundreds of volunteers. Celebration on the Grand is always the Thursday, Friday and Saturday after Labor Day (Sept. 4, 5 and 6, 2008). For more information, or to check out the schedule for 2008, visit www.celebrationonthegrand.org.

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