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Tuesday's VeloBriefs: Sea Otter pumps millions into local economy; Fast Freddie backs youth cycling; SRAM outfits Team Orbea
The 2005 Sea Otter Classic in Monterey, California, pumped millions of dollars into the area economy, according to a recently released economic-impact report.
"The Sea Otter Classic has become one of our area’s major events, enhancing Monterey’s tourism business in our off-peak season," says Julie Armstrong, marketing communications director for the Monterey County Convention & Visitors Bureau.
"With 69 percent of the audience coming from outside our local market, it not only brings in new revenue but helps in the marketing exposure of our destination."
The report, prepared by Fredric Kropp & Associates, found:
When indirect multiplier effects are included, the total estimated impact on the Monterey/Salinas area is $21.51 million to $28.68 million, based on multipliers of 1.5 to 2.0.
The direct estimate of the economic impact of the 2005 Sea Otter Classic on the greater Monterey/Salinas area is approximately $14.34 million. This includes spectator spending of $10.51 million, athlete spending of $2.87 million, and vendor and sponsor spending of $0.92 million.
In general, spectators were highly satisfied with the Sea Otter: 89 percent of respondents agreed that they would recommend the event to a friend; 87 percent agreed that the overall quality is good; and 82 percent plan to return within the next three years.
In general, athletes were highly satisfied with the event: 96 percent of respondents agreed that they would recommend the Sea Otter to a friend, 91 percent said their overall experience was either good or excellent, and 95 percent plan to return within the next three years.
"We’re certainly pleased to create a positive economic impact for our wonderful community," said Frank Yohannan, president of the Sea Otter Classic and a Monterey resident. "But we’re more delighted to introduce young people to the wonderful sport of cycling."
The 16th Annual Sea Otter Classic will be held April 6-9 at the Laguna Seca Recreation Area near Monterey. For more information, see www.seaotterclassic.com " target="new">www.seaotterclassic.com or call 800-218-8411.
Fast Freddie Foundation to debut with fund-raiser
Fred Rodriguez’s Fast Freddie Foundation, intended to help support youth cycling, will make its debut this week during a fund-raiser in San Francisco.
"I am making a personal commitment to help to grow our sport for the young people of America," Rodriguez said in a press release. "This inaugural event will be just the first of many events the Fast Freddie Foundation will be a part of in years to come."
The event will run from 3 to 6 p.m. Thursday, February 16, at B44 Restaurant in San Francisco’s downtown district. Cost is $50 per person ($75 at the door on a space-available basis). The tax-deductible donation includes a ticket to a raffle of Davitamon-Lotto gear, Catalan hors d’oeuvres, sangria, beer, soft drinks and coffee. A no-host bar will also be available.
Rodriguez will be joined during the event by the members of his Davitamon-Lotto team who are racing in the inaugural Tour of California February 19-26.
For more information or to make reservations, contact the foundation at fastfreddiefoundation@yahoo.com.
SRAM outfits Team Orbea
Team Orbea will race SRAM components on the roads of Europe as the squad begins its second competitive season, according to a company press release.
SRAM will supply the team with shifters, derailleurs, cranks, bottom bracket, chain, cassette and brakes.
Team Orbea won the team competition and a stage at the 2005 Tour de l’Avenir, which remains a goal for 2006, along with the Sea Otter Classic in Monterey, California, and the Euskatel Bicicletta.
The roster is all-Spanish with one exception, 19-year-old American Brad Armstrong, whom Orbea global marketing director Joseba Arizaga called "a terrific talent."
"This is an historic day as SRAM takes to the roads of Europe, where the racing tradition began," said David Zimberoff, SRAM’s global marketing director.
SRAM also supports the U.S-based Kodakgallery.com-Sierra Nevada team.
