DATES SET FOR 2011 TARA LLANES CLASSIC 2

After another wildly successful race in 2010, organizers and competitors are eagerly looking forward to the 2011 Tara Llanes Classic.  The fifth edition of the event is set for September 24-25, 2011, and will again be held at Northstar-at-Tahoe™ Resort -- the beautiful, world-class skiing and mountain bike racing venue near Truckee, CA.

The extremely popular Mega DH course that provided both challenges and excitement returns—albeit with a few changes to keep things fresh and exciting!  New for the 2010 race were the Shimano Kid’s Race and a special outdoor BBQ, and both events will again be on the 2011 schedule. Shimano’s Ryan Vergeront had this to say: “Shimano is proud to continue our long time support for a great athlete as well as a great event – The Tara Llanes Classic.”

Tara Llanes and the young competitors in the 2010 Tara Llanes Classic Shimano Kid’s Race.  The Kids’ Race returns for the 2011 Tara Llanes Classic.

Continuing the tradition established in the past two races, another major bicycling film will premiere in 2011 at the Tara Llanes Classic.  In 2010, the film “Lifecycles” drew cheers from all participants.

The Tara Llanes Classic provides world-class competition for both pros and amateurs.  Proceeds from entry fees and donations will benefit the Tara Llanes Road to Recovery Foundation, the Reeve-Irvine Research Center (RIRC), and new for 2011 is C.O.R.E. – the Center for Restorative Exercise.  Each of these organizations is instrumental in the treatment and therapy of spinal cord injuries; we encourage you to click on the links at the bottom to learn more.

The Tara Llanes Classic was started in 2007 by Brian and Thayne Bolin to help raise funds for downhill pro Tara Llanes and her ever-growing medical costs after the champion mountain biker suffered a horrific crash that resulted in below the waist paralysis. Since then Tara has made phenomenal progress and is now able to both help organize the Tara Llanes Classic and participate as a rider in a 4-wheel DH bike!

“2010 was absolutely unbelievable! We all worked so hard and it paid off,” Tara said. “Without Northstar there is just no way we would have been able to raise $20,000 for the TL Road to Recovery and RIRC. The sky is the limit and we’ve got some big ideas heading into 2011 -- I can’t wait to let the cat out of the bag!”

Andy Buckley, Northstar-at-Tahoe™ Resorts Director of Skier Services, said the venue is eagerly on board once again for the Tara Llanes Classic.  “We’re amazed by the size and caliber of the racing field.  But more than anything, we’re inspired by the tremendous event spirit toward the cause.”

Tara Llanes interviews DH pro Mark Weir at the finish line of the 2010 Tara Llanes Classic.  The 2011 MegaDH course will add new challenges for pros and amateurs alike.  Photo by Craig W. Smith

More than 50 sponsors supplied prizes, products and manpower for the 2010 event, and plans are for all to return in 2011. Tania Cusack from the Reeve-Irvine Research Center summed it up best in saying, “This group of amazing volunteers and sponsors are not only extremely organized and efficient they all worked so hard to make the event a huge success and all the while holding huge smiles and a positive attitude.  It is a tremendous pleasure for all of us at the Reeve-Irvine Research Center to be chosen as this dynamic group’s charity. Without private funding like the money raised from the Tara Llanes Classic, important cutting-edge research would go unexplored.  All of us at the Reeve-Irvine Research Center would love to thank the sponsors of this event, Tara, and the incredible team of volunteers who made this event such a tremendous success!”

Tara echoed those sentiments in thanking the huge number of companies that help make the Tara Llanes Classic a top event on the racing calendar. “There is no way we could have come this far without the trust and faith of every single sponsor and vendor,” she said. “We thank you from the bottom of our hearts.  Now let's do it again this year and even bigger!!"

Please click on this link http://www.tarallanesclassic.org/sponsors.htm to find out how you can be part of the 2011 Tara Llanes Classic.  And also be sure to bookmark the following sites to learn more about Spinal Cord Injury and Research and how you can help:

http://www.tarallanesclassic.org/index.html
http://www.northstarattahoe.com/
http://www.reeve.uci.edu/
http://www.aaronbakers.com/the_purpose

For more information please contact:
Brian Bolin – Race Information    831-295-1056    brian@racefortara.com
Mike Stewart – Vendor Inquiries    925-784-9745     mikestewart@giantbicycle.com
Patrick VanHorn – Press Info     805-267-4661    patrickvanhorn@giantbicycle.com