PHILADELPHIA — June 5, 2008 -- Pro Cycling Tour has announced that Reading-based Berks Packing Company will once again sponsor the Commerce Bank Triple Crown of Cycling – the professional cycling series featuring races in the Lehigh Valley on June 3, Reading on June 5 and Philadelphia on June 8. 

Berks will again serve as the title sponsor of the Top Dog King of the Hill Climbing Challenge at the Commerce Bank Reading Classic.  A “race within the race,” the Berks Top Dog Challenge awards points to the first three riders on each of the final three laps that has the pro men cyclists climbing Reading’s demanding Mt. Penn Duryea Drive.  
 
The first three riders will score 5, 3 and 1 points,  respectively, and the rider with the most points after the final three laps and climbs will be hailed as the winner of the 2008 Berks Top Dog King of the Hill Challenge. The Berks Top Dog King of the Hill champion rider will win a custom trophy and cycling jersey.  There’s also $250.00, $150.00 and $100.00 cash prizes for the 1st, 2nd and 3rd place finishers in the points standings for the hill climb.

“We’re very pleased to help create this hill climbing challenge within the Commerce Bank Reading Classic,” said Jim Boylan, president of Berks Packing Company.  “Coming out of the race as the rider who earns the Top Dog award is a very prestigious testimonial to a rider’s determination and climbing skill.”

Established in 1933 in Reading Pa., Berks Packing Company, Inc. is a third-generation, family-owned and operated meat processor located in southeast Pennsylvania.  The company offers a large selection of delicious Berks branded franks, hams, ring bologna, sausage, bacon and deli meats including ham, roast beef and turkey breast.