'Race To Replace,' cycling legend Armstrong coming to IMS Aug. 12
The Discovery Channel Pro Cycling Team will attempt to replace a legend – seven-time Tour de France winner Lance Armstrong – on arguably the most legendary stretch of asphalt in the world, the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
The “Race To Replace” is scheduled for Saturday, Aug. 12 at IMS. The winner of the race, determined from a field of cyclists of all ages and skill levels, will compete as a member of the Discovery Channel team at the U.S. Pro Championships on Sept. 1-3 in Greenville, S.C.
There will be a full day of activities for cyclists and fans of all ages during the “Race To Replace.” Gates open for competitors and fans at 6 a.m. (ET), with racing starting at 7 a.m.
Other family-friendly activities include, for participants 13 and over, riding a lap led by Armstrong at 2 p.m. and a concert by hit rock band Collective Soul at 3:30 p.m.
Cyclists can register online now at www.race2replace.com, signing up by age and gender in the categories of 18-24, 25-34, 35-49 and 50 and over. Races in each age group will cover 10 laps of the famous 2.5-mile oval at IMS.
Admission is free, and donations to the Lance Armstrong Foundation will be accepted. All proceeds from the race, including entry fees from cyclists and donations from fans, will be donated to the Lance Armstrong Foundation, an organization founded by cancer survivor Armstrong to inspire and empower the 1.3 million Americans who are diagnosed with cancer each year. The Lance Armstrong Foundation will then send a significant portion to the IU Cancer Center.
The event will add another chapter to the illustrious, 97-year history of IMS, as it’s the first competitive cycling event ever to take place at the fabled facility. The “Race To Replace” also will mark the second appearance of the year by Armstrong at IMS, as he drove the Chevrolet Corvette Z06 Pace Car at the 90th Indianapolis 500 on Sunday, May 28.
“We’re very excited about the ‘Race To Replace’ coming to IMS,” said Joie Chitwood, IMS president and chief operating officer. “We’re happy to welcome the legendary Lance Armstrong and many cyclists, their families, friends and fans for a historic day at the track that will be memorable and fun for everyone, especially the winner. But this is also about sending a sizable check to the Lance Armstrong Foundation and the IU Cancer Center.”
Armstrong won his seventh and final Tour de France title in July 2005 as the team leader of the Discovery Channel team, retiring as a pro rider after the race.
The Discovery Channel is promoting the “Race To Replace” through an extensive promotional campaign featuring Armstrong and Discovery Networks personalities, including Mike Rowe (“Dirty Jobs”) and Adam Savage (“Mythbusters”).
A featured part of the promotional campaign is a 20-part series of “Webisodes,” exclusive, online-only episodes that offer an in-depth look at the stars of the Discovery Channel Pro Cycling Team who are in the running to be named team leader. The “Webisodes,” which started May 15 at race2replace.com, also are available as video podcasts.
