Allentown, Pa. (May 30, 2008) – Professional Cyclists from the Commerce Bank Triple Crown of Cycling will pedal into Allentown schools shortly before the Lehigh Valley Classic kicks off on June 3, to promote fitness and to share their racing expertise with children in the city. 

Through the TD Banknorth Charitable Foundation, Commerce Bank is also donating $5,000 to each of the participating schools, which include McKinley and Jefferson Elementary Schools for their health and wellness programs.

“Commerce wants to share the excitement of the Triple Crown with area children,” said Steve Patterson, regional vice president, Lehigh Valley, Commerce Bank. “But we also want to share with them that bikes are fun and can be a great way to enjoy the outdoors and keep fit as long as you’re careful.”

Top pro men’s teams Rite Aid and Colavita will ride in to the schools and share bike racing tidbits and insight on competing in the Triple Crown. On June 3, the children and their families will have their own “cheer zones” set up along the race course so they can root for their “adopted” teams. They will have posters and lots of spirit as they cheer their visiting cycling team.

The Commerce Bank Triple Crown of Cycling kicks off Tuesday, June 3, 2008, with the new Commerce Bank Lehigh Valley Classic, continues on Thursday, June 5, with the Commerce Bank Reading Classic, and culminates on Sunday, June 8, with the Commerce Bank Philadelphia International Championship.

Subject to regulatory approvals, Commerce Bank will become known as TD Commerce Bank, America’s Most Convenient Bank, with a financial services network comprising more than 1,100 offices spanning 13 states and Washington, D.C. TD Commerce Bank’s assets will total approximately $109 billion.