Univest Corporation will stop its financial support for the Univest Grand Prix immediately. The 1.2 UCI-ranked race will continue in 2012 under different sponsorship. Univest Corporation has sponsored the event for the last 14 years. The company is focusing on aiding local non-profits that are struggling in the economic downturn.
Fourteen years is a long time in a fast-paced world. "Univest has been a strong and unwavering supporter of international cycling for 14 years," race director John Eustice said. "We thank them for their long-time commitment to the sport and for helping build a vibrant community of fans, participants, sponsors and civic authorities around the events. That community will move forward with a dynamic new Grand Prix for 2012."
The event began in 1998 as an international, amateur-only, road race based out of Souderton, Penn. It expanded to a second day in Doylestown in 2003, was awarded UCI professional status in 2006, and this year became the first U.S. event to hold dual UCI and NRC-ranked status. The race is renowned for its beautiful, but challenging race course, strong international fields, widespread media attention and close community ties. Every edition of the Univest Grand Prix road race was televised, with live coverage beginning in 2006.
There is also a cyclosportif recreational ride over 100kilometers, which will remain a strong and vital component of the two-day event. "Community participation is what makes this race so special," Eustice said. "Thousands of people have consistently joined together to open their homes to the teams, volunteer on the race courses, come out to spectate or ride the Cyclosportif.
"Not to be forgotten are the sponsors, police, mayors and civic authorities who worked in common cause to create a fine international sporting event. I especially would like to thank Christopher Shinners, David Henninger and Rick Grater, without whom there would have never been one – let alone 14 – Univest Grand Prixs."
The 2012 edition of the Grand Prix is scheduled for September 15-16. The international event annually serves as the final major race on the North American calendar. "Sparta Cycling, the Pennsylvania communities, and USA Cycling remain committed to the continued growth and international standing of this legacy event," Eustice said.