Nebraska Cycling News

Lincoln - It is not the position a race director wants to be in when you promote one of the biggest weekends of road racing in the state, but as John Lefler is finding out, a good title sponsor is hard to find.

The Spring Cycling Classic has served as the season opener for the Nebraska road racing season since 2001. The two-day, three stage event has grown from a series of weekend training races into one of the most popular early season stage races, attracting riders from across the Midwest.

Since its inception, the race has been sponsored by Lincoln Plating, a company which changed its name to Lincoln Industries shortly after the 2006 race. But it wasn't until nearly six months later that Lefler found out Lincoln Industries would not be able to serve as the title sponsor of the 2008 event.

"I was devastated," he said. "Lincoln Plating was an absolute blessing to the Nebraska cycling community and this race,. We knew the company was going to change its name and that their marketing efforts and resources might shift somewhat. But I did not anticipate they would drop the race sponsorship. We were very fortunate that they continued to support the team."

The "team" is Midwest Wheelmasters, which is the cycling squad managed by Lefler and co-title sponsored by Lincoln Industries.

Since losing Lincoln Industries as the Spring Cycling Classic's title sponsor, Lefler has contacted a number of local and regional business owners who support competitive cycling to gauge potential interest in sponsoring the race.

Says Lefler, "It's not like this is a first year event and no one knows what is going to happen, but you are asking people to sign a relatively hefty check."

A little more than two-and-a-half-months before the race, Lefler is still searching for a title sponsor. But so far, he's not talking about cancelling or postponing the race that has annually been Nebraska's largest bicycle race.

"I have already dealt with some scheduling issues and managed those," he said. "The race venues are secured and the interest level is still very high with both in and out of state racers. One way or another, I will make this thing happen."

In fact, the Spring Cycling Classic has been moved one week – to April 12-13. The two-day, three-stage race will feature a road race and time trial on Saturday at Branched Oak Lake near Raymond followed by a circuit race at Pioneers Park on Sunday in Lincoln.

As for other details, like categories and race distances, Lefler says racers will have to remain patient.

"I will work my tail off to have all of the official information posted by March 1," he said. "I am giving myself 30 days to find a title sponsor or some combination of supporters that will help underwrite the race.

"I really don't feel it is appropriate to discuss it publicly right now, but I will say that I have one very interested party that could really clear up a lot of heartburn for me."

So, Nebraska's 2008 road racing season will officially start April 12. Don't forget to bring your Tums.