Town of Taos News Release Contact: Joanie Griffin (505) 261-4444, jgriffin@griffinassoc.com

First Ever NM Gran Fondo Scheduled For Taos

TAOS, NM – May 8, 2012 – Event Lab Productions, Inc., in conjunction with Taos Sports Alliance and the Town of Taos, is producing the first ever Gran Fondo in New Mexico. Gran Fondo de Taos will be held in Taos, NM on July 7, 2012 and features a 110-mile timed Gran Fondo and a 75-mile Medio Fondo race course. Both events will start at Kit Carson Park in Downtown Taos.

The event is USAC sanctioned, and there will be prizes for the top three male and female finishers for the timed events. King of the Mountain jerseys also will be awarded. The 110-mile Gran Fondo costs $90 if registered by July 2, 2012 or $180 for late registration.

The 75-mile Medio Fondo costs $75 for early registration and $150 for late. Proceeds from the race will benefit Livestrong in its fight against cancer and the Taos Sports Alliance to assist with making Taos the high altitude training capital of the U.S.

Participants are invited to bring a toy donation for children ages 2-10. The toys will be distributed to Presbyterian’s PICU, NM Children’s Hospital, the Ronald McDonald House and other non-profit organizations.

“Taos is a mecca for high altitude training,” explained Chris Hurff, Executive Director of Event Lab Race Productions. “New Mexico is long overdue for a Gran Fondo, and I couldn’t be more thrilled to have the first one in scenic and challenging Taos, NM.”

For more information and to register for the event, go to www.taos.org/granfondo. For information on visiting Taos, go to www.taos.org

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