Philadelphia – 05/25/2010 – Fuji Bikes is putting its considerable weight behind the TD Bank Philadelphia International Cycling Championship, race officials at Pro Cycling Tour announced today.  Fuji will serve as the Official Bicycle of the TD Bank bike race through 2012.  The premier bicycle manufacturer, which has headquarters in Philadelphia, will also serve as the King of the Mountain (KOM) sponsor for the race, which happens on Sunday, June 6. 

“Fuji has been a great friend to us over the years, and we’re delighted that they have formalized that relationship now as the Official Bicycle and KOM sponsor of the TD Bank race,” said David Chauner, president of Pro Cycling Tour and co-founder of the race.  “The KOM sponsorship is especially fitting as it highlights the connection between Fuji’s lightweight bikes and the grueling climb that these athletes face up the infamous Manayunk Wall,” he said. 

The Manayunk Wall was so named by race founders Chauner and Jerry Casale when the Philly event was first created 26 years ago.  It has gained notoriety in the international cycling world ever since for its crushing 17 percent grade over a half-mile climb that is one of the defining features of the Philly course.

“It’s one of our favorite local events and we are proud to support the cycling community in Philadelphia,” said Patrick Cunnane, President of Fuji. “This year we’ll have three elite teams participating, our ProTour Team – Footon-Servetto – and two professional women’s teams, Noris and PB Twenty12.”

For more information about the TD Bank Philadelphia International Cycling Championship and to purchase VIP Champions Row tickets or to register for amateur events like the Philadelphia Insurance Companies Time Trial and the AstraZeneca Wellness Challenge, go to www.procyclingtour.com.