DENVER, July 21, 2009 — The Road ID Le Tour Challenge, powered by MapMyRide.com and VERSUS, has become the world’s first and largest virtual cycling event. The Challenge has offered more than 25,000 cyclists of all levels from 89 countries the opportunity to “virtually” compete with each other and alongside the pros in the 2009 Tour De France. After fifteen days of the Challenge, participating cyclists have ridden over 1.4 million miles, equivalent to circling the Earth 58.83 times, and climbed over 28 million feet, equivalent to climbing Mount Everest 965 times. Participants have completed over 55,000 rides over the course of the Challenge. More than 1,300 of the cyclists have ridden in more than 10 stages and collectively burned almost 9 million calories. Additionally, MapMyRide.com recently launched a mobile application called iMapMy that has enhanced the experience for cyclists in this innovative global cycling competition.
Every day of the Tour de France, cyclists have been submitting their individual ride data to MapMyRide.com and, in return, have received their calculated “Virtual Stage Time” — the actual time they would have posted racing alongside the pros on that day. Participants who post the lowest Virtual Stage Time for each Stage win custom cycling jerseys and those riders who have compiled the most Virtual points at the close of each Stage are awarded a Virtual Tour leader yellow jersey.
Recently, MapMyRide.com launched iMapyMy, that has enhanced the Challenge experience for cyclists. The iMapMy BlackBerry App includes all the features of the iMapMyRide iPhone App, allowing cyclists to track their distance, time, pace and speed on their BlackBerry devices. The new App also enables cyclists to import their training data and routes directly into MapMyRide.com from their BlackBerries and view their workout history on those mobile devices.
“The Road ID Le Tour Challenge is being embraced by thousands of cyclists around the world, and their enthusiasm shows that we’ve truly engaged the everyday cyclist in a whole new way,” said Robin Thurston, Chief Executive Officer at MapMyFitness, Inc. “At MapMyRide.com, our aim is to give cyclists the online fitness tools and community that they require to achieve better health and meet their fitness objectives. The Le Tour Challenge is moving us closer to that goal because it’s getting more people on their bikes and out on the road.”
“Prior to the Challenge, staying motivated to ride had been an issue for me as I’ve struggled with weight issues. The Challenge has helped me get off the couch, and now I’m riding every day, competing with other wannabe pros, and trying to collect more points each stage so that I can reach my goal of finishing in the top 100. That would be a podium finish for me!”said Challenge participant Chuck Morrow.
For more information on the Road ID Le Tour Challenge, please visit http://www.mapmyride.com/tdf.
About MapMyRide.com:
MapMyRide.com is the cycling-focused site of MapMyFitness, Inc. MapMyFitness, Inc. includes MapMyRun.com, MapMyRide.com, MapMyTri.com, MapMyHike.com, MapMyFitness.com and MapMyWalk.com. The MapMyFitness suite of websites provides over 1,500,000 runners, cyclists, triathletes, walkers and hikers with an array of invaluable training tools, including an efficient and fast mapping application, a database of searchable saved routes, online training logs, interactive community groups, dedicated discussion forums, fitness calculators and listings for events across the globe. By providing these tools, MapMyFitness aims not only to connect with and cultivate an online community of healthy and active members, but also help our members achieve their health and fitness objectives. It makes no difference whether a member is a professional athlete, weekend warrior or a simple fitness enthusiast — MapMyFitness has created powerful training tools that can measurably enhance that member’s athletic experience.
Contact:
Sandra Lee
347-835-3717
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