Schedule of Story Opportunities:

WEDNESDAY or THURSDAY, June 3 or 4, 2009

• Learn what the pros know about beating the Manayunk Wall. How do you train for lap after lap up a grueling 17% grade, especially when you’re starting from a nearly complete stop? What’s it like to ride through Manayunk with the crowds going crazy?

• Plus, area amateur cyclists can test their own grit on the same course that the pros will ride by registering for the Philly Fun Ride – get tips on how to make it the ride of your life!

Source: Local pros are competing in the race on Sunday. Brian Walton of Manayunk’s Cadence Cycling has competed in the race himself and now trains professional cyclists. You name the time, and we’ll have one or more of these sources available to meet you on The Wall.

FRIDAY, June 5, 2009

• Press Conference to Kick Off Race Weekend

When: 10 a.m.

Where: TD Bank Store at 15^th & JFK, Center City

Who: Michael Aisner, the voice of cycling and race announcer for 25 years, and

David Chauner and Jerry Casale, race co-founders, share snapshot of memories from the event’s 25 years. How has cycling changed in that time? How has the race strategy changed? How is the equipment different?

Riders in attendance can talk to significance of being in Philly for the 25^th running of America’s biggest single-day race as well as strategy for race day.

SATURDAY, June 6, 2009

• Meet the Riders Autograph Session

When: 2 p.m.

Where: at the Cycling and Lifestyle EXPO presented by Bicycling Magazine on Benjamin Franklin Parkway (EXPO is a great place for cycling flavor and fan intercepts on Saturday, noon to 5 p.m., and Sunday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.)

What: Teams will be presented and fans can snag autographs from their favorite riders at the EXPO.

A free concert by local band, Fools & Horses, will immediately follow at 3 p.m.

• See the race take shape live as the Parkway is transformed into a European-style championship race course!

When: 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Friday, June 5

8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, June 6

Where: on the Parkway (contact Christine Reimert for best vantage points at 610-639-2136 or creimert@devinepowers.com)

SUNDAY, June 7, 2009

• 25^th running of the Philadelphia International Cycling Championship

• Professional men start at 9 a.m. sharp at start/finish line on the Parkway

• Professional women start at 9:10 a.m. sharp at start/finish line on the Parkway