Chicago Press Release!

IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Friday, June 26, 1998

[Chicago]-Greg LeMond, three-time Tour de France champion, leads participants for the fourth year in The Greg LeMond Bike Ride on Saturday, Sept. 5, 1998 at 7:30AM. This scenic cycling mega-event features five course options and benefits two of the nation's premier non-profit rehabilitation agencies serving people with disabilities, Thresholds (IL) and Curative Rehabilitation Services (WI).

The Greg LeMond Bike Ride, the only event of its kind featuring LeMond, begins in the parking lot at 3701 W. Lake Avenue, Glenview, IL (6:30AM check-in) and ends with a finish party at Pere Marquette Park in downtown Milwaukee, WI. The noncompetitive ride is individually tailored at 25 miles (North Shore Loop), 25 miles (new Milwaukee Loop), 62 miles (Wadsworth, IL to Milwaukee), 62 miles (Milwaukee Loop) or 100 miles (Glenview, IL to Milwaukee) to suit varied fitness levels and interests of riders. There is a $35 entry fee ($45 after Aug. 15) and a $1 per mile pledge requirement (team riders (5 or more) registered by 8-15-98 enter free).

The Labor Day weekend event starts with a bang with two exciting pre-ride events on Friday, September 4 at Midlane Country Club in Wadsworth, IL (11:30AM) and at BREW CITY BAR · B · Q in downtown Milwaukee (6:00PM). The Midlane event is an exclusive interactive afternoon with LeMond featuring a special Q&A training talk, autograph session, and buffet lunch. Later, Milwaukee participants will enjoy a casual dinner with Greg at the city's premier outdoor beer garden. Admission is $35 at either event, team riders (5 or more) enter free to one of these events.

LeMond, who was accidentally shot while hunting in April 1987-just nine months after winning his first Tour---rehabilitated from this almost fatal incident to win two more Tour de France championships. His incredible story of rehabilitation mirrors the daily struggle and triumph of the millions of people with disabilities. It is Greg's intimate understanding of this population that motivated his involvement in The Greg LeMond Bike Ride. "People who are challenged, whether mentally or physically, can overcome obstacles to lead productive lives," says LeMond. Thresholds and Curative Rehabilitation Services, two of the nation's premier agencies serving people with disabilities, have partnered with LeMond to spread this important message.

Thresholds, founded in 1959 and located in Illinois, creates the opportunity for people with mental illness to live with dignity and independence. More than 40 agencies nationwide base their programs on Thresholds' pioneering model of rehabilitation. Curative Rehabilitation Services is one of the oldest, largest, most accredited, experienced and comprehensive rehabilitation facilities and human services organizations in the nation.

The Greg LeMond Bike Ride is presented by Equitable, Rotter & Associates/Illinois and Schlesinger Agency/Wisconsin. Media sponsors include Bicycling Magazine, CLTV NEWS, Pioneer Press, Chicago's Amateur Athlete, FM 103.1 Chicago's Heart & Soul - Gold Sponsors include Sportmart, Dunhill Staffing Systems, Graphic Solutions, Quality Color Graphics, Festina Watches and Village Cycle Center.

For more information or reservations, riders should call call 800-637-3135, visit the event website @ www.thresholds.nidus.net or e-mail to astark@thresholds.