MERCO Credit Union Cycling Classic
The former McLane Spring Classic attracts international competitors to two days of world class racing in Merced California.

Historic Merced County Courthouse is the back drop for the opening Criterium.
Photo c. www.dailypeloton.com 

Cyclists from around the world will once again hit the streets of downtown Merced in the MERCO CREDIT UNION Cycling Classic Presented by McLane Pacific. The event will take place March 3-4, 2007.

This year’s main event Saturday, March 3rd is the Downtown Grand Prix. From all over the globe, professional cyclists will race on a wide, fast .8 mile track that circles the historic Merced County Courthouse in full view of the crowds.

The Foothills Road race run on Sunday March 4th is a closed course 24 mile rolling loop through the central valley orchards and vineyards featuring 5 laps for the elite pros.

 The Merco Credit Union Cycling Classic is sanctioned by the USA Cycling, the official organization recognized by the United States Olympic Committee responsible for identifying, training and selecting cyclists to represent the United States in international competition. Part of the National Racing Calendar for USA Cycling, MCUCC is one in a series of the 45 most prestigious cycling races on American soil.

Juan Jose Jaedo adds the Classic to his palmares in 2005
Photo c. www.dailypeloton.com 

T-Mobile Women's Squad
MCUCC organizers are pleased to see such a variety of international cycling teams competing this year. The T-Mobile Women’s Cycling Team finds the MCUCC an important race and is sending three cyclists to Merced, while other cyclists are attending another race in Australia.
Event organizer, Doug Fluetsch, is excited about the T-Mobile cyclists coming to Merced, “We are thrilled that the T-Mobile team places such value in the MERCO Cycling Classic. The race has been growing consistently since its start in 1993 and T-Mobile’s participation emphasizes its importance in the cycling community.”

Suzanne de Goede - 2006
Photo c. Bart Hazen

One of the cyclists, Suzanne de Goede, a former Dutch Road and Time Trial Champion and former Junior World Champion, is one of the T-Mobile team members racing in Merced in March. "The race in California will be nice to get some early racing and in the warmer weather. For me it will be even more fun as it will be my first time I race in America."

Race registration and accommodations information available by clicking on the graphics above.