Professional cyclist Michael Chauner of West Chester and his Pure Energy Cycling-ProAirHFA team will participate in the inaugural week-long Chesco Grand Prix, beginning June 28 in Oxford.
Chauner began racing competitively on the road at age 14 and steadily improved through the junior ranks, collected state and national championship medals and developed a strong interest in both endurance track cycling events and international competitions on the road.
In 2004, he was selected to compete with the Junior National Team in Belgium, France and Holland and later in the season helped his Pennsylvania team decisively win the National Team Pursuit Championship, qualifying him for that year’s World Track Championships in Los Angeles.
Chauner recently returned from Europe and has four wins to his credit this season, including a recent victory in Kalken, Belgium.
“The Chesco Grand Prix will be through the downtowns of some beautiful sections of Chester County,” said Crosby Wood of the Chesco Grand Prix. “The races are for elite and professional cycling teams that travel throughout the United States. Cycling is growing rapidly in the area and these races are perfect for individuals and families. We’re expecting large crowds.”
The dates for the races are:
Thursday, June 28: Oxford CriteriumFriday, June 29: Malvern CriteriumSaturday, June 30: Phoenixville CriteriumSunday, July 1: 2nd Annual Coatesville ClassicTuesday, July 3: Chesco Time Trials, UnionvilleWednesday, July 4: Chesco Road Race and Holiday BBQ, UnionvilleThursday, July 5: Parkesburg CriteriumFriday, July 6: Kennett Square Criterium (Finals)Sunday, July 8: The Chesco Tour (recreational ride through Chester County)
The Chesco Grand Prix is sanctioned by USA Cycling, the national governing body for the sport of competitive cycling.
Chauner graduated from Bucknell University in 2008 and collected 11 collegiate cycling victories throughout his academic career making him the top Eastern Collegiate Cycling Conference winner during 2004 through 2008. As a freshman in 2005, he became the ECCC Champion and achieved a top-5 performance in the Collegiate National Road Championships.
He has a personal coaching business for other cyclists alongside his own racing career. After developing under the tutelage of Olympic silver medalist Brian Walton for seven years, Chauner now works with Sweden’s top cycling coach and exercise physiologist, Mattias Reck.
Chauner will join Bobby Lea. a member of the United States’ 2012 Olympic Cycling Team, on the five-man squad from the Pure Energy Cycling-ProAirHFA .
Wood said, “This annual event is destined to become one of the prestigious bike races in the United States, especially when the national Velodrome is constructed in Coatesville.”
“We haven’t forgotten the area leisure riders as we have a tour scheduled for Sunday, July 8,” Wood said. “The county’s back roads are wonderful places to explore by bicycle. Cyclists of all abilities and skill levels will be able to choose a 20 mile, 40 mile or 75 mile route, starting and finishing in the historic village of Marshallton. Each route will sample the quiet roads of the Brandywine Valley, ending at the Marshalton Inn and Four Dogs Tavern where Chef David Cox will serve award-winning food and refreshments.”
Six of the nine venues will host a card of multi-lap “criterium” races for amateurs, elite women and pro men with all races held on downtown circuits of between 1 and 3 kilometers (.6 to 1.5 mile). The featured pro races will all be 50 miles with shorter distances for amateurs and women. The time trial and road race on July 3rd and 4th will be held on circuits through West Marlborough Township, an area known for its preserved wide open spaces and expansive horse farms.
The professional races will be invitational for 90 registered elite level and professional cyclists, most will be member of five-man teams. Points will be awarded for the top finishers toward overall team and individual prizes. A total of at least $25,000 in prize money will be awarded throughout the series.
The Chesco Grand Prix is endorsed by the Chester County Conference and Visitors Bureau, the official Tourism Promotion Agency for Chester County whose mission is to promote Chester County and the Brandywine Valley as a tourism destination.
Initial sponsors for the Chesco Grand Prix include the Sheraton Great Valley Hotel, PJ’s All Natural Beef Steak and Victory Brewing of Downingtown. Sponsor interest is high and additional sponsors will be announced soon. The Greater Media’s Philadelphia radio group will promote and cover the Chesco Grand Prix. The stations include WMMR, WMGK, BEN-FM and 97.5 The Fanatic/950 ESPN.
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