Thursday, May 05, 2011
Dear Friends and Supporters of the Whaling City Cyclone
It is with deep regret that I must announce that there will be no event produced for the 2011 Racing Season.
Thanks to your generous support and sponsorship, we have had three very successful years of world class bicycle racing near downtown New London, on the waterfront of the Fort Trumbull peninsula. We have attracted over twelve hundred cyclists and their families from all over the Northeast to compete in our races and in 2010 we were privileged to have a team of Dutch Riders travel to New London for the event.
Each of you have done more than your share to make each event a success and those who have attended any of the events are aware of what a wonderful day of sport and pageantry we presented for the community.
This decision is a disappointing one because of the broad impact of last year’s event. We had begun to attract more spectators and volunteers to enjoy the race and help with our effort. In turn we expected an expansion of our paid rider base as a result of the inclusion of the Dutch racing team.
The young Dutch riders share our disappointment as they had planned to join us again for another ten days of New England racing. A number of their parents expressed interest in making the trip as well, because they heard such wonderful stories of the hospitality shown to their sons while staying in The Mystic Region.
We knew from the beginning that we would require the support of a major sponsor or two co-sponsors that could provide cash infusion of at least fifteen thousand dollars in order to deliver an event of last year’s proportions. Despite all our efforts and your continued generosity, we were just not able to generate sufficient sponsorship and revenues to make the race a viable enterprise.
I can’t tell you how proud I have been to work with each and every one of you. To see the efficient work and cooperation between various elements of our local government from Public Works to First Responders, and the support we received from City Hall and local civic organizations, as far east as Block Island.
It was truly a joy working with all of you. Perhaps next year with Op Sail being planned we can be included in the overall program as a truly compatible international sports event to enhance the larger venue.
Thank you again for all your effort and generosity in support of the Whaling City Cyclone.
Bill Humphreys
Race Director,
Whaling City Cyclone
