June 5, 2011 is the date for the 27th running of the nation’s most important, single-day professional cycling race, the TD Bank Philadelphia International Cycling Championship.  The 156-mile challenge is the “granddaddy” of all U.S. road racing and the unofficial kick-off to summer in the City of Brotherly Love.  

Best of all, you can have a front row seat.  As marshalls, language interpreters, hospitality support, stage crew and more, hundreds of volunteers are needed to ensure the race is executed safely and successfully for the cyclists and spectators who descend on Philadelphia each year for this highly anticipated event.  For more information on how you can become a Philly race volunteer, including requirements and sign-up procedures, go to www.procyclingtour.com -- click here for a description of the positions and application link,  or go directly to sign up at this link:  http://www.procyclingtour.info/VolForm.aspx

Considered the foundation of American pro cycling, the TD Bank Philadelphia International Cycling Championship is the only bike race in the United States that takes over a major city for six hours, consistently draws crowds of several hundred thousand spectators, is covered live on national television and has received the highest international classification, “UCI Hors Category.”  The event will welcome 400 professional cyclists from more than 20 nations and close to 1,000 amateur cyclists who compete in ancillary events.

“Whether you’re a cyclist yourself or someone who wants to see a world-class sporting event unfold on the city streets of Philadelphia, you won’t want to miss the opportunity to be a part of this,” said Jerry Casale, chief operating officer of Pro Cycling Tour and co-founder of the Philly race.  “The TD Bank race is unlike any other event in the country, and volunteering is an incredible way to experience it,” he said.  “Show off your civic pride, and help us host a safe and memorable race day for everyone!”

The volunteer corps has developed quite a following over the event’s 27-year history.  People return year after year for duty, with many traveling to Philadelphia from across the country just to be a part of the festivities.  “It’s like a family reunion people just don’t want to miss,” Casale said.