Echelon Gran Fondo Series and Challenge set for Tuscon benefiting Arizona Cancer Center

Feb. 2, 2011 - PRLog -- PlanetZ/Echelon, creators of the Echelon Gran Fondo Series, a “Tour de France” style cycling event and the Echelon Challenge, a closed course circuit ride, will launch both inaugural Tucson activities on the University of Arizona campus.

The May 1st events will benefit the Arizona Cancer Center, whose mission is to prevent and cure cancer.  The Gran Fondo will include police escorted departures for three ride distances heading up Mt. Lemmon. The newly introduced 1.5-mile closed circuit Echelon Challenge will be staged on the University of Arizona campus and will feature live music and entertainment to support the fundraising cyclists, some who will be on the course for up to 12 hours.

Arizona Cancer Center Director David Alberts, MD, commented, “We see this partnership with the PlanetZ/Echelon group as the starting point for us to connect and educate an audience who may not be aware of the work we are doing, and the impact we are having on cancer research and treatment.” Notably, 30 Tucson-area physicians affiliated with the Arizona Cancer Center are included among the 2010-2011 Best Doctors in America database. For more information visit www.arizonacancercenter.org

David Cochran, Echelon’s Chief Operating Officer, has been integral in the development of a full-fledged Echelon ambassador program to ensure awareness and participation of the Tucson events, remarked, “I am so impressed with the support we have from the Arizona Cancer Center and their willingness to pull us into their overall marketing and fundraising endeavors. We believe this is the beginning of a longstanding relationship.” Dollars raised for the Echelon event will also go to LIVESTRONG, Echelon’s national beneficiary.

Echelon, which also produces events in Napa, Fort Collins, Palo Alto, Portland, and Seattle, recently became the largest operator of Gran Fondos in the United States. The Echelon series, intended for cyclists of all levels, combines riding, racing and fundraising. The Gran Fondo events introduce what organizers call “Tour de France-style frivolity” to lighten the serious nature of fundraising. The dramatic difference from other charity rides is the ride itself, or, as Executive Director Hunter Ziesing calls it, “theater on the roads.” Cyclists ride a “grand tour for a day.” At an Echelon event, a rider can expect announcers, balloons, cheerleaders, helicopters, live music, marching bands, epicurean treats, and a cast of characters off the l’Alpe d’Huez.

Cyclists will have the opportunity to fundraise or pay full registration. For more information on the Echelon Grand Fondo, or to register, visit www.echelongranfondo.org/tucson/register.html

About PlanetZ/Echelon:
PlanetZ, a non-profit global member organization, promotes human affairs including health, environment, and community. PlanetZ, strongly committed to the cycling community, creates events and fitness challenges to raise money for local and national cancer-focused institutions. LIVESTRONG® is Echelon’s national beneficiary. Each event city has its own locally named beneficiary for Echelon’s fundraising program. For more information, please visit www.echelongranfondo.org

About The Arizona Cancer Center at the University of Arizona:
The Arizona Cancer Center is the only National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center headquartered in Arizona. With primary locations at the University of Arizona in Tucson, the Cancer Center has more than a dozen research and education offices in Phoenix and throughout the state and 300 physician and scientist members work together to prevent and cure cancer. For more information, go to www.arizonacancercenter.org

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PlanetZ, a non-profit global member organization, promotes human affairs including health, environment, and community. PlanetZ, strongly committed to the cycling community, creates events and fitness challenges to raise money for local and national cancer-focused institutions. LIVESTRONG® is Echelon’s national beneficiary. Each event city has its own locally named beneficiary for Echelon’s fundraising program. For more information, please visit http://www.echelongranfondo.org