Bridges of Hope Ride joins forces with Maryland Cycling Classic to bring Chairman’s ride event to Baltimore County this Labor Day Weekend

April 6, 2021

The Bridges of Hope Ride presented by Kelly Benefits Strategies Will Benefit the UnitedHealthcare Children’s Foundation

BALTIMORE, Maryland– The UnitedHealthcare Children’s Foundation (UHCCF) Bridges of Hope Ride will take place on Saturday, September 4, 2021, and is the official “Chairman’s Ride” for the Maryland Cycling Classic. The Chairman’s Ride is part of an epic weekend of cycling events in Baltimore culminating with the Maryland Cycling Classic, America’s top one-day professional cycling race on Sunday, September 5, 2021.Registration for the Bridges of Hope Ride presented by Kelly Benefits Strategies is open now through www.marylandcyclingclassic.us and all funds raised will benefit UnitedHealthcare Children’s Foundation, which improves the lives of children by helping families gain access to the care they need through medical grants.

“I’m excited about the ways the weekend as a whole, particularly the Saturday ride and the Sunday race, are coming together to create an amazing weekend of cycling in Baltimore,” said Maryland Cycling Classic’s Chair John Kelly, also President of Baltimore-based Kelly Benefits Strategies. “I look forward to riding along with everyone who registers for the Bridges of Hope Ride and enjoying this incredible weekend together with cycling fans from around the world.”

The Bridges of Hope Ride on Saturday is slated to start and end at the Kelly Benefits Strategies headquarters in Sparks, Maryland. Some riders will have the opportunity to experience the same challenging course as past Tour de France competitors and World Champions will in the professional race on Sunday. Participants can choose either a 50K or 100K route through Baltimore County and will enjoy a post-ride event as well as perks tied to the professional race, including an official event jersey which features unique Maryland Cycling Classic iconography.

“The Maryland Cycling Classic will not only showcase Baltimore County’s scenic communities and vibrant offerings but will continue to show that we are a premier destination for signature sporting events,” Baltimore County Executive Johnny Olszewski said. “Baltimore County is delighted to host this world-class weekend of cycling events, including the Bridges of Hope Ride.”

Registrants of the Bridges of Hope Ride who meet or exceed specific fundraising milestones will receive added benefits as well as exclusive access to other Maryland Cycling Classic weekend events. The top three fundraisers over $10,000 will also be eligible for a VIP caravan ride experience during the pro cycling race on Sunday. Due to anticipated popularity of this ride, the total number of entries is limited, and the minimum fundraising entry will be set at $500.

“The UnitedHealthcare Children’s Foundation is thrilled to bring the Bridges of Hope Ride back to Baltimore this year, and its association with the Maryland Cycling Classic will make the 2021 event even bigger and better,” said Assistant Executive Director for UnitedHealthcare Children’s Foundation Scott Otto. “We are grateful to Kelly Benefits Strategies and the Maryland Cycling Classic for their support and commitment to helping families cover costs of children’s medical care.”

As the race weekend approaches, organizers of the Maryland Cycling Classic will work closely with state and local officials to ensure safety protocols are followed based on the most up-to-date CDC guidelines regarding COVID-19.

For more details or to register for the UnitedHealthcare Children’s Foundation Bridges of Hope Ride presented by Kelly Benefits Strategies, go to www.marylandcyclingclassic.us.

# # #

Media Contacts:

Katie Lochte, Kelly Benefits Strategies

1.410.891.3021 | klochte@kellybenefits.com

Katrina Younce, KOM Sports

1.310.995.3619 | katrina@komsports.com

Host Committee Contact:

Terry Hasseltine, President, Sport and Entertainment Corp. of Maryland

1.410.207.8814 | terry@sportcorpmaryland.us

About Maryland Cycling Classic supported by UnitedHealthcare

The inaugural Maryland Cycling Classic supported by UnitedHealthcare, America’s top one-day international pro cycling race sanctioned by the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) and USA Cycling, is taking place September 5, 2021 in Baltimore, Md. The race will feature the best cyclists worldwide including Tour de France participants, National Champions, World Champions and Olympians from over 20 countries. This three-day weekend community celebration of health and wellness featuring participatory events, local foods and drinks, along with other fun family-friendly activities.  The event is owned and operated by the Sport and Entertainment Corporation of Maryland – the non-profit arm of the Maryland Sports Commission/ Maryland Stadium Authority – moving Maryland forward through sports. Medalist Sports and KOM are managing and promoting the event. Learn more about the Maryland Cycling Classic supported by UnitedHealthcare at www.marylandcyclingclassic.us.

About UnitedHealthcare Children’s Foundation (UHCCF)

Founded in 1999, UHCCF is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization that provides medical grants to help children gain access to health-related services not covered, or not fully covered, by their family’s commercial health insurance plan. Families can receive up to $5,000 annually per child ($10,000 lifetime maximum per child), and do not need to have insurance through UnitedHealthcare to be eligible. Since 2007, UHCCF has awarded 25,724 grants valued at $55.3M to children and their families across the United States. UHCCF’s funding is provided by contributions from individuals, corporations and UnitedHealth Group employees.