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Joe Martin Stage Race returns in May with new title sponsor

  • Ron 

Walmart has signed on as the title sponsor for the Joe Martin Stage Race, held May 19-22 in Fayetteville, AR.

The event’s expansion to a four-day event comes as the race marks its 45th anniversary, its 20th year on USA Cycling’s Pro Road Tour, and its 8th year on the UCI Americas Tour calendar. This makes the race the longest-running stage race in the U.S. and one of only two UCI road races. Race organizers said they would offer higher prize purses for the professional men and women, but the amounts were not revealed. Overall, some 800 cyclists representing all 50 states and 27 nations will be competing for titles in men and women professional and amateur divisions.

Tyler Williams and Skylar Schneider won the 2021 men’s and women’s editions, riders for L39ION of Los Angeles.

A few days ago, the UCI Cyclo-cross World Championships wrapped up in northwest Arkansas, also sponsored by the retailer.

The race kicks off on May 19 with the Mount Gaylor Road Race, a 117 mile stage for the men and 64 miles for the women. Stage 2 is the Mount Sequoyah Road Race, with distances of 113 and 67 miles respectively. Saturday is the 3 mile Devil’s Den Time Trial and the race wraps up on Sunday, May 22 with the Experience Fayetteville Criterium in downtown Fayetteville.

Details about live streaming and results will be announced at a later date.

“Walmart’s partnership with Joe Martin Stage Race is a game-changer,” race organizer Bruce Dunn said. “Walmart’s partnership will help the race gain a greater level of prominence and improve the experience of participants and spectators.”

“We are delighted to be the title sponsor of this premier cycling event in North America, which will take place in Northwest Arkansas, where our company was founded nearly 60 years ago,” said Kim Tunick, Walmart’s Senior Director of Brand Experiences. “We are demonstrating Walmart’s commitment to the community and promoting healthy and active lifestyles for our customers and associates.”

“The Joe Martin Stage Race is an iconic stop on the American bike racing calendar,” added Brendan Quirk, CEO of USA Cycling. “It’s incredible to think about how many world-class professionals have made their mark on this race over the years. The support of Walmart as the title sponsor is a huge milestone in the continued growth and prominence of the race, and of Northwest Arkansas’ position as a stronghold of international-caliber racing.”

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