Race2Replace

'Race to Replace,' Cycling Legend Armstrong Coming To IMS Saturday

Wednesday, August 9, 2006
By Paul Kelly
indycar.com

Cyclists from across the country will test their mettle on the Indianapolis Motor Speedway as they compete in a 10-lap, 25-mile race against the clock in Discovery Channel’s “Race to Replace” on Saturday, Aug. 12.

The fastest rider of the day will be crowned Race to Replace Champion and race as an honorary member of the Discovery Channel Pro Cycling Team (DCPCT) for one day in the U.S. Pro Championships on Sept. 1-3 in Greenville, S.C.

Fans and cycling enthusiasts can ride a lap around the famous 2.5-mile oval led by seven-time Tour de France champion Lance Armstrong.

Following the lap, guests will enjoy a free concert by the hit rock band Collective Soul. The public lap is open to everyone age 13 and older. Children age 13-18 must have their parent or guardian sign a waiver allowing them to participate.

Admission is free, and donations to the Lance Armstrong Foundation will be accepted. All proceeds from the race, including entry fees from cyclists and donations from fans, will be donated to the Lance Armstrong Foundation, an organization founded by cancer survivor Armstrong to inspire and empower the 1.3 million Americans who are diagnosed with cancer each year, and the Indiana University Cancer Center.

The “Race to Replace” will mark the second appearance of the year by Armstrong at IMS, as he drove the Chevrolet Corvette Z06 Pace Car at the 90th Indianapolis 500 on Sunday, May 28.

“We’re very excited about the ‘Race to Replace’ coming to IMS,” said Joie Chitwood, IMS president and chief operating officer. “We’re happy to welcome the legendary Lance Armstrong and many cyclists, their families, friends and fans for a historic day at the track that will be memorable and fun for everyone, especially the winner. But this is also about sending a sizable check to the Lance Armstrong Foundation and the IU Cancer Center.”

Armstrong won his seventh and final Tour de France title in July 2005 as the team leader of the Discovery Channel team, retiring as a pro rider after the race.

The “Race to Replace” schedule Saturday at IMS:

6 a.m. Public gate opens, enter via Gate 2 off 16th Street; parking in Turn 1 infield

7 a.m. “Race to Replace” begins

1 p.m. Autograph session in Pagoda Plaza with Discovery Channel Pro Cycling Team riders Fumy Beppu, Roger Hammond and Jurgen Van Den Broeck

2 p.m. Lap Led by Lance (must be age 13 or older and wear a helmet)

3 p.m. Awards ceremony with Lance Armstrong and winners, Pagoda Plaza

3:30 p.m. Collective Soul concert, Pagoda Plaza

For more information, visit www.race2replace.com.