Tour de Fresh Announces New Additions for 5th Annual Ride: Axel Merckx to Rejoin
WATSONVILLE, CA – Support continues to pour in for the California Giant Foundation’s 5th Annual Tour de Fresh, which aims to get more salad bars to schools across the country. In a press release, the organization made an exciting new announcement, Axel Merckx, eight-time Tour de France rider and Olympic Bronze Medalist will attend the event yet again: offering expertise and support.
Alex Wassmann, the tour’s Technical Director, will accompany Merckx and the rest of the riders during the four-day span of the event. Jesse Moore, a key ride guide for the event who has coached multiple top 10 Tour de France, will aid riders in navigating the tough terrain on this year’s route.
“I am eager to join the riders of Tour de Fresh for a second year,” said Axel Merckx, Hagens Berman Axeon Cycling Team Owner. “Seeing the passion that everyone involved in this event has for getting salad bars in more schools is a humbling experience that I am proud to be a part of.”
With the success of the past years, California Giant Foundation hopes to not only get fresh fruits and vegetables in front of school age children, but also to offer a chance for industry leaders to spend time with friends and colleagues.
“We are excited for our fifth year for many reasons,” said Cindy Jewell, Vice President of Marketing for California Giant Berry Farms. “We love seeing how much support this event has gained since year one and can only see it continuing to grow. But more importantly, with the increase in support, we are increasing the salad bars that are being placed into schools which means that more kids have access to fresh fruits and vegetables.”
The ride, which will begin at the Kirkwood, CA, ski resort, will weave through Jackson, Livermore, Mt. Hamilton, San Jose, Aptos, and Monterey.
"I am blown away by how much this event has grown over the past five years,” said Brock Nemecek, marketing manager, North America, for T&G Global Limited. “I’m grateful to have been a part of such a meaningful cause and can’t wait to celebrate five successful years with friends from the industry!”
To join sponsors, including Crunch Pak, JAZZ Apple, Mann Packing, Mission Produce, PMA, Taylor Farms, Tanimura & Antle, and, your favorite, AndNowUKnow, visit www.tourdefresh.com or email the Tour de Fresh team at [email protected].
