BMC drops Cascade Cycling Classic title sponsorship

After a nine-year partnership, Bend Memorial Clinic is not renewing its title sponsorship of the Cascade Cycling Classic, and the Mt. Bachelor Sports Education Foundation said Thursday it needs a new one by Oct. 15th in order to hold the long-time multi-stage race next year.

For the last 35 years, top pro and amateur riders in the U.S. have converged on Central Oregon for this classic multi-day stage race held in mid-July, the longest-running road cycling race in the country

The event is highlighted by the Criterium held on Saturday evening in downtown Bend, which draws thousands of spectators.

The Cascade Cycling Classic is produced and is a benefit for the Mt. Bachelor Sports Education Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation.

MBSEF “is seeking a three-year commitment for a title sponsor and has indicated that it must obtain a title sponsor prior to October 15th to hold the race in 2015,” Thursday’s announcement said. Tentatively, the race is scheduled for July 14-19, 2015.

Bend Memorial Clinic told MBSEF of their plans to skip renewal last year, however it was just made public Thursday by the organization.

“BMC has been thrilled to be part of the reason the race remained the longest running stage race in the country, but as our contract comes to an end, we will not be renewing the sponsorship,” said Christy McLeod, chief operating officer for BMC.

“We are hopeful that MBSEF will find another sponsor to continue the investment in the race, as it is an excellent event for our community,” McLeod added.

John Schiemer, the executive director of MBSEF, said, “We are very grateful for the nine years of sponsorship that Bend Memorial Clinic provided. It was a tremendous commitment on their part and MBSEF is very appreciative.

“However, without a title sponsor, we cannot hold the race, and we are hopeful that we will secure one in the next month.”

Founded in 1986, MBSEF’s mission is to be the Northwest’s leading youth sports training organization promoting the positive values of competitive sports including alpine and Nordic skiing, snowboarding and cycling. This year, about 550 MBSEF athletes will compete in those disciplines.

“No reason was given” by BMC for ending the sponsorship, said Molly Cogswell-Kelley, MBSEF’s financial development and events director.

However, when asked what led to the decision, McLeod said, “We’re not alone in the health care organizations trying to do more with less, so we’re constantly looking to evaluate what we’re supporting, and making the decision for what’s right with the time.”

The title sponsor being sought would need to make a three-year commitment, at $50,000 each year — without that, “we cannot hold the race,” Cogswell-Kelley said.

“MBSEF originally received this race because we know how to produce large-scale community events, i.e. the U.S. Bank Pole Pedal Paddle, and we have a large volunteer base.” she told NewsChannel 21 by e-mail.

But “this is an expensive race to produce,” Cogswell-Kelley added. “Our costs were up $35,000 this year across the board in all categories. We also must pay for police (motorcycle) support. Thus, our profit margins on this race are eroding.”

“It costs MBSEF over $200,000 to put this community event on,” she said. “And it’s frustrating that many businesses in the area do very well during this event, especially on Saturday evening, yet MBSEF takes all the risk and does the work, and does not receive a commensurate return for our efforts.”

Columbia River Bank was the previous title sponsor “for many years,” Cogswell-Kelley said. “It has always had a title sponsor, but I don’t think anyone has sponsored it as long as BMC.”

The group’s biggest yearly fund-raising event, the Pole Pedal Paddle in May, has U.S. Bank as its title sponsor, and they “will always be on board,” Cogswell-Kelley assured.

Learn more about the race at its Website and about MBSEF at its Website.