Six Day Tour Will Draw U25 Teams from Around the World

HARRISBURG , PA , May 16, 2007 – Officials of Governor Edward G. Rendell's administration joined business leaders and community organizers today to announce the American Eagle Outfitters Tour of Pennsylvania, presented by Highmark Healthy High 5 , an Espoir-only stage race expected to draw hundreds of thousands of spectators and cycling enthusiasts to Pennsylvania in June 2008.

“The American Eagle Outfitters Tour of Pennsylvania will help spotlight the commonwealth's scenic countryside and rich history like nothing ever before,” said Governor Rendell. “We expect each city and town along the race route to benefit from an unprecedented influx of spectators from across the country and around the world.”

Sponsored by American Eagle Outfitters, the leading lifestyle brand among 15-to-25 year-olds, which is based in Pittsburgh, and Highmark Healthy High 5, a five-year, $100 million initiative of the Highmark Foundation designed to promote healthy lifestyles among children and adolescents, the tour will invite at least twenty, six-rider teams of the world's best young cyclists in the espoir class (under age 25), including several who are expected to participate in the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games and Tour de France.

The International Cycling Union (UCI) sanctioned tour will begin with a Prologue Time Trial in Philadelphia and cover approximately 500 miles over six days (June 24-29, 2008), with finish-line events in Philadelphia , Carlisle, Bedford and Ligonier, and a race grand finale in Pittsburgh to help celebrate the southwestern Pennsylvania region's 250 th anniversary. A total of $150,000 will be awarded in stage prizes, overall general classification and special competitions – the world's largest-ever prize list for U25 riders.

“Sponsoring this tour is a natural fit for American Eagle Outfitters, and reflects the company's commitment to the Pittsburgh region,” said Susan McGalla, president and chief merchandising officer of American Eagle Outfitters and member of the Pittsburgh 250 Commission.  “We're proud to be involved in a global sports event that our employees and customers can get excited about.”

The tour's route will roughly follow the historic Forbes Road (along U.S. 30), which was created in 1758 when British General John Forbes and Colonel George Washington forged a trail through the challenging terrain of the Allegheny Mountains to the Forks of the Ohio during the French and Indian War, founding Bedford, Ligonier and Pittsburgh along the way.

“The route's combination of challenging terrain and in town circuits make it the ideal format for a stage race,” said Jerry Casale , chief operating officer of Pro Cycling Tour, LLC, the company that will help organize the race, along with ISM-USA and Pittsburgh 250. “Plus we're thrilled that the race will showcase cycling's wave of new, up and coming talent.”

In addition to inviting Espoir teams from around the world, organizers expect to include several U.S. teams made up entirely of American riders under 25 like USA Cycling's Development Team and the newly-formed Pennsylvania Lightning, an all-Pennsylvania squad being organized by PCT. “The goal is to field a top team that will represent the state's homegrown talent and give Pennsylvanians their own local favorites to follow,” said PCT's CEO, David Chauner.

The theme of healthy youth will be promoted at the conclusion of each stage through the Highmark Healthy High 5 Finish Line Festival, a community health and wellness festival designed to engage local communities in learning ways to adopt active living and healthy eating habits.

“Highmark Healthy High 5 is designed to promote healthy lifestyles among children and adolescents,” said Yvonne Cook, president of the Highmark Foundation. “The Tour provides an opportunity to engage children and families in the excitement of cycling and showcases the statewide opportunities for people to be outdoors, to be active and to have fun while doing it – all important elements of leading a healthy life.”

The Pennsylvania Tourism Office, another major sponsor of the tour, will market the race through www.visitpa.com , working with regional tourism agencies across the state where Tour venues are located.

“The tour provides a unique opportunity to showcase Pennsylvania 's historic cities and towns,” said Mickey Rowley, deputy secretary for Tourism, Film and Economic Development Marketing. “We encourage people to spend part of their summer in 2008 visiting the communities along the race route and all that they have to offer.” Rowley also stated that Pennsylvania supports many initiatives that encourage and promote cycling including www.visitpa.com sponsorship of the Commerce Bank Triple Crown of Cycling in the Lehigh Valley , Reading and Philadelphia , an elite mountain bike team and the development of a statewide network of bicycle routes and trails.

To learn more about the American Eagle Outfitters Tour of Pennsylvania, presented by Highmark Healthy High 5, visit www.tourofpa.com .