Robust Sponsor Roster Announced for the 2023 Maryland Cycling Classic, presented by UnitedHealthcare
BALTIMORE, Md. – Highlighted by returning, presenting sponsor UnitedHealthcare, a full roster of 36 sponsors were announced today for the Maryland Cycling Classic and its weekend of events, which runs from August 31 to the conclusion of the race on Sunday September 3rd. The race is the top-ranked U.S. professional road cycling event and will feature several of the world’s top teams and riders, which will include Tour de France stage winners.
A list of 36 partners were released, which is an increase of 12 new sponsors in 2023, while 24 renewed after the inaugural Maryland Cycling Classic last year.
“The public-private partnership model is essential to the success of the event. We’ve seen a resounding number of companies return to support the event, which is a good sign,” said the event chair John Kelly, who has played an instrumental leader in the event fundraising efforts. “We’ve got a great mix of companies endemic to Maryland and Baltimore, as well as national companies.”
At the civic level, Baltimore County, City of Baltimore, Visit Baltimore and the State of Maryland, have lent a high level of support which includes benefits realized through integrated media assets on broadcast coverage to more than 80 countries, on-site visibility, and an array of community programs, hotel and restaurant and tourism impact, and ability to host guests around the event. The direct economic impact last year was at $10.8 million and indirect economic impact was more than $30 million.
Heading the list of Maryland-based companies is Johns Hopkins Medicine, a new-comer to the event, which will be the official medical services provider; Kelly Benefits, which will be highlighted by the overall race stage start location as well as the host venue for Saturday’s Bridges of Hope charity ride, which raises funds for the UnitedHealthcare Children’s Foundation; the Allegis Group, who will be featured prevalently within the event and presenter of the Map & Spectator Guide; H&S Bakery, which will be featured on the Sprint Points champion’s jersey; Harbor East, which will be the location of one of five Fan Zones for Sunday’s race; Sheraton – Inner Harbor, which will be the headquarter hotel; Phillips Seafood will be one of two hospitality and hosting partners; Harbor Point will be the host of the Team Introduction and Opening Ceremony, Saturday night, Sept. 2; Athlos is the official jersey and technical apparel company; Under Armour will be the volunteer and staff outfitter; while Guilford Hall Brewery, will be the official beer highlighted by custom-label cans, with one honoring African American achievement in cycling; with Chesapeake Beverage serving as official beverages for the event.
UnitedHealthcare highlights a list of national partners with a host of programs, including the sponsor of the Community Day, August 31, which is highlighted with school visits and a bike giveaway to the entire third grade class at a local Baltimore City School, and also as a headliner for the Bike Jam, Sept. 1 at Patterson Park – a community bike ride free to families and cyclists of all ages; RxBenefits of Birmingham, Ala., will be featured on the Most Inspirational Jersey, which is provided to the cyclist who’s performance most inspires; and 4 Cornerstone Foundation (4CF) and Human Powered Health, both of Edina, Minn. The Human Performance Expo will be located the finish line on Market and E. Pratt in the Inner Harbor of Baltimore, and feature various vendors, including Wahoo which will have an cycling interactive where spectators can race virtually or see their performance statistics like max watts power output; Fogo de Chao, the Brazilian steakhouse, will be featured as a presenter of the Team Introduction as well as race day hospitality partner; nutritional tech company Thorne of New York, N.Y. is back and highlighted with on-course branding, hydration zones and volunteer gift bags; and PNC Bank, which will present a series of five designated Fan Zones, four of which will be located on the final circuit of the race.
Community-level partners include: AramdaCare, Berkeley Research Group, Valleys Planning Council, BGE/Excelon, which will be featured at the safety zones around the finish line; and Black People Ride Bikes, which will help co-host the Welcome Reception, Thursday night, August 31, at the Reginald F. Lewis Museum.
Media Partners include: Maryland Public Television, which will be providing LIVE race coverage from 11:30 am to 5:30 pm, which will include both a preview and post-race show from their studio; Global Cycling Network and EuroSport+ which will provide international Livestreaming to a large trans-global audience; VELO, which will be a content partner; 98 Rock and WBAL radio and WBAL-TV, which will be provided extended coverage and live remotes and promotion; and The Baltimore Times, which will co-host the Welcome Reception, while also creating with Dope Nerds a VR experience and pop-store in the Inner Harbor near the finish line, and also a special section with 22 kiosks around Baltimore.
Suppliers include: Mission BBQ, caterer to the Bridges of Hope charity ride and start line hospitality; Thule racks, as the official rack supplier; DMC Sport, of Melbourne, Australia, a supplier to key staff and official Maryland Cycling Classic merchandiser; Strategic Factory for signage and printing; and Coke Consolidated for soda.
The event is produced by the Sport & Entertainment Corp. of Maryland. The event is sanctioned by UCI, the international governing body for cycling and USA Cycling. The event’s marketing agency is KOM Sports Marketing of Colorado Springs, Colo., which manages sponsorship & activation, promotion, and communications. Medalist Sports, Inc. of Peachtree City, Ga., are the event managers.
For updated information please visit www.marylandcyclingclassic.us.
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Media Contact:
Katrina Younce, KOM Sports
+1 310-995-3619 | katrina@komsports.com
Host Committee Contact:
Graham Whaples, Maryland Sports Commission
+1 410-385-4671 | graham@marylandcyclingclassic.us
About Maryland Cycling Classic presented by UnitedHealthcare
The second annual Maryland Cycling Classic presented by UnitedHealthcare, America’s top one-day international pro cycling race sanctioned by the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) and USA Cycling, is taking place September 3, 2023 in Baltimore, Md. The race features some of the world’s best cyclists including Tour de France participants, National Champions, World Champions, and Olympians from over 20 countries. The Maryland Cycling Classic presented by UnitedHealthcare is part of a four-day weekend community celebration of health and wellness featuring participatory events, an interactive festival, local food and drinks, along with other family-friendly activities. The race is endorsed by Maryland and Baltimore Civic Leaders, while owned and operated by Sport and Entertainment Corporation of Maryland. The event is managed and marketed by industry leaders Medalist Sports and KOM Sports Marketing. Learn more about the Maryland Cycling Classic supported by UnitedHealthcare at www.marylandcyclingclassic.us.
