Press Release - Bernalillo County Teams Up With Johan Bruyneel Cycling Academy For "Bikes for Kids" Event
Bernalillo County has partnered with the Johan Bruyneel Cycling Academy to give 40 Fuji bikes free to children who want to enjoy and learn more about riding a bike at the second annual “Bikes for Kids” event on February 25.
“We are very proud to be one of the hosts of the Academy during their winter training camp this year,” says Commission Chair Deanna Archuleta. “We want to thank the Johan Bruyneel Cycling Academy for making the bike give-away possible for these children. More and more families and individuals are turning to biking as a recreational activity and this high profile team allows our residents to learn more about this exciting type of competition.”
“Physical activity along with proper eating habits can be a major part of securing our children’s health in the future,” says Commissioner Archuleta. “Learning these habits today can assure they will be healthy young adults.”
Johan Bruyneel, the eight time winning Tour de France Sports Director, is very happy to have his Academy lead the project for the second straight year. "The Johan Bruyneel Cycling Academy's mission is not only to develop the next best professional cyclists, but also encourage today's youth to lead a healthy lifestyle. Through the "Bikes for Kids" program, the children will learn about how biking can be both fun and healthy. With the help of parents, teachers and the program, we hope that cycling becomes a lifetime activity for all participants."
Saul Raisin, an American former professional road bicycle racer with a string of strong showings in several international races, was part of the event and shared his story with the children at the “Bikes for Kids”. In 2006, he was two kilometers from the finish line at the Circuit de la Sarthe, crashed and landed on his head. He had to undergo brain surgery for a hemorrhage and went through extensive therapy for several weeks. His doctors will not allow him to return the sport of racing. Raisin has written a book about his experience and recovery titled "Tour de Life: from Coma to Competition.”