Cascade Cycling Classic back with BlueCross

The Cascade Cycling Classic was on the brink of death, after Bend Memorial Clinic decided not to renew its contract as the title sponsor for the race. However, the country’s longest-running professional stage race is back on, thanks to a local health insurance company.

Regence BlueCross BlueShield of Oregon is the new title sponsor for the race. The race is now scheduled for July 22-26 in 2015.

“This is the community’s race. And in terms of it not coming back, we just couldn’t let it happen,” said Scott Burton, community and business relations director with Regence.

But had they not stepped up, the race might not have happened.

Mt. Bachelor Sports Education Foundation is a volunteer organization, and relies on sponsors for their major events. The title sponsor for the Cascade Cycling Classic contributes $50,000 a year for three years, covering an estimated 25 percent of costs for the race.

“Without a title sponsor and without our stage sponsors, and the people involved, we really cannot put on the race,” said John Schiemer, MBSEF executive director.

“We’re definitely relieved we were able to make this happen,” he added.

Below is the press release regarding the announcement:

Mt. Bachelor Sports Education Foundation announced Wednesday that Regence BlueCross Blue Shield of Oregon will be the title sponsor for the Cascade Cycling Classic, in the wake of Bend Memorial Clinic’s withdrawal from that role.

Regence will serve as the next title sponsor for 2015, 2016 and 2017 editions, officials said

Since announcing the possibility that the longest running professional stage race in the nation could be canceled, “we received numerous calls from people that expressed concern that the race might be canceled, even from non-bike race followers,” said MBSEF Executive Director John Schiemer.

“The race has been heavily rooted in the community since 1979, and we are grateful that Regence BlueCross BlueShield of Oregon stepped in so this longstanding tradition can continue,” Schiemer said.

“There are over 100 Central Oregon families that open their homes to the pro riders during the event. In some cases the friendships between host families and riders/team directors have spanned 20-30 years.”

“Regence’s sponsorship of the Cascade Cycling Classic is an investment in the health and vitality of Central Oregon,” said Scott Burton, Director of Business and Community Development at Regence. “These incredible athletes inspire us all to pursue healthy lifestyles, and we’re thrilled and humbled to play a part in keeping this important event right where it belongs.”

The Cascade Cycling Classic is produced and is a benefit for the Mt. Bachelor Sports Education Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation. The 2015 Cascade Cycling Classic presented by BlueCross BlueShield of Oregon is scheduled for July 22-26, 2015.

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, approximately 550 MBSEF athletes will compete in the above disciplines.

Regence BlueCross BlueShield of Oregon has been serving Oregonians since 1941 and provides more than 750,000 members with comprehensive health insurance solutions. As a nonprofit independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association, Regence is part of a family of companies dedicated to transforming health care by delivering innovative products and services that change the way consumers nationwide experience health care.