WEST CHESTER — Just days after the cancellation of Manayunk’s bike race due to lack of sponsors, West Chester’s iconic bike race announces a new title sponsor and name change for the first time in its 12-year history.
Benchmark Federal Credit Union will sponsor the Benchmark Twilight Cycling Classic for the next five years, ensuring the continued success of the race series best known for the thousands of fans it draws to its twilight road course through the heart of downtown West Chester, Pennsylvania.
“This bike race has become part of the fabric of our community,” says Benchmark President and CEO David LaSala. “As the only federal credit union to exclusively serve Chester County, we are proud to support one of our community’s most iconic events.”
The Benchmark Twilight Cycling Classic will take place Saturday, August 12th, 2017. Previously called the Iron Hill Twilight Race Series, Iron Hill will continue to support the event by sponsoring the Pro Men’s Race.
“This is truly a testament to the collaborative nature of the West Chester business community,” says Mark Yoder, President of the Greater West Chester Chamber of Commerce, which organizes the race series. “Benchmark is stepping up to the plate at a time when sponsorships have been scarce for other bike races.”
The Benchmark Twilight Cycling Classic includes a 0.6-mile course over eight city blocks of downtown West Chester, featuring four 90-degree turns and one short rise. Races include Pro & Amateur Men’s Criteriums, Pro Women’s Criterium, Kids’ Race, and the ever-popular Tricycle Challenge. Family festivities have grown over its twelve-year history to include a Community Festival, Kids’ Zone, and Market Street Block Party.
