American Diabetes Association Unveils "New Look" Saratoga Tour de Cure for 2017
ALBANY, N.Y. (March 17, 2017) — The American Diabetes Association’s (ADA) annual Saratoga Tour de Cure — the premier cycling event in the Capital Region dedicated to finding a cure for diabetes — will feature an array of exciting changes for its 2017 edition set for Sunday, June 4.
After staging the event for more than 20 years at Saratoga Springs High School, the local chapter of the ADA has relocated its largest annual fundraiser to Saratoga Spa State Park’s Peerless Pool, which can be accessed off both Route 9 and Route 50.
“The Tour de Cure isn’t just a bike ride, but rather a celebration of hope and a chance to raise critical funds to help Stop Diabetes. This year’s event will become more of a festival-type experience,” said ADA Market Executive Director Nicole DeCelle, noting that large tents will be located at the finish line under which participants can relax, eat lunch, enjoy a cold beer and shelter from any inclement weather.
Other changes on tap include a streamlined participant check-in; a new, scenic 100-mile route that circles the Great Sacandaga Lake; WaterMonster hydration stations placed strategically around each route to provide participants with ample liquid refreshment and a green solution to reduce trash; large screen TVs broadcasting riders as they cross the finish line; and, a live performance by Body & Soul.
“We also plan to introduce chipped cycling bibs,” added DeCelle. “This will not only allow us to instantly know who is still out on the course and their precise GPS location, but also give our PA announcer a chance to recognize finishers once they arrive back in the park.”
The annual ride is part of a nationwide movement to Stop Diabetes® and change the future of the nearly 30 million Americans living with the disease — 1.6 million of whom reside in New York state. Designed for everyone from the novice biker to the experienced cyclist, the Tour de Cure includes 10-, 28-, 50-, 62.5- and 100-mile routes.
“Individuals and teams composed of co-workers, family and friends who register early are able to raise more money for this tremendous cause because they become tied to the mission and have a better chance of activating their fundraising network,” added Bob Russell, area director of Upstate NY, American Diabetes Association. “We are hoping to recruit even more family and corporate teams this year to fulfill our goal and advance the mission of the organization.”
The 2016 Saratoga Tour de Cure drew 1,967 cyclists from around the region who raised $922,000, making it the Capital Region’s largest fundraising event, according to the Albany Business Review. This year’s goal is $1.1 million. All proceeds support the association’s mission — to prevent and cure diabetes and to improve the lives of all people affected by diabetes.
For more information and to register for the Saratoga Tour de Cure, visit diabetes.org/saratoga. The early bird registration fee is $15 and there is a $200 fundraising minimum for all riders. From the home page, you can also link to the event's Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube and community pages.