SARASOTA, Fla. – The Team Tony Cancer Foundation, a Sarasota-based nonprofit organization that provides free peer-to-peer cancer support and resources to cancer fighters, survivors and caregivers in the local community, has secured Tour de France veteran and Olympic medalist Bobby Julich as the grand marshal for the second annual Gran Fondo Sarasota.

Julich, an American road bicycle racer, will ride with cyclists during this year’s event on Sunday, Oct. 6 at Nathan Benderson Park. Participants of all skill levels can join the 5K fun run or walk or choose to ride the 33-mile Piccolo, 62.5-mile medio or 100-mile Gran distance. After the activities, attendees can enjoy music, great food and family-friendly fun.

“I’m very happy to contribute to the Team Tony Cancer Foundation’s important mission and lead this year’s Gran Fondo Sarasota,” said Julich. “I look forward to meeting new friends and experiencing the roads around Sarasota as we ride from Nathan Benderson Park together.”

Julich got his international breakthrough finishing third in the 1998 Tour de France. He posted nine top-five finishes in notable races, highlighted by a silver medal in the 2004 Olympic Individual Time Trial. After racing for 16 years as a professional in the European peloton, Julich retired from professional cycling in September 2008. He currently directs Julich Coaching & Consulting using his vast knowledge and experience to help companies and cyclists of all levels.

“Our team is thrilled that Bobby is taking up the lead as the grand marshal for this year’s Gran Fondo Sarasota,” said Tony McEachern, founder of the Team Tony Cancer Foundation and a brain cancer survivor. “Bobby is well known in the cycling world, and it is truly serendipitous that he is riding the 62.5-mile Medio with our supporters.”

All proceeds benefit the Team Tony Cancer Foundation. Registration is now open. Tickets are $25 for the 5K fun run or walk, and $65 for the different bike distances. Tickets and sponsorship opportunities are available by visiting www.TeamTony.org or calling 941-227-4404.

A 16-year brain cancer survivor and an avid cyclist, McEachern’s vision of creating a cancer support organization, became a reality in 2010 when the Team Tony Cancer Foundation officially launched. Last year, Team Tony’s annual ride event netted $150,000 in donations.

About Team Tony Cancer Foundation
A 16-year brain cancer survivor and an avid cyclist, Tony McEachern’s vision of creating a peer-to-peer cancer support foundation became a reality in 2010 when the Team Tony Cancer Foundation officially launched. Located in Sarasota, Fla., the nonprofit’s mission is to provide free peer-to-peer cancer support and resources to cancer fighters, survivors and caregivers in our community. To date in 2018, the Team Tony Cancer Foundation has already provided more than $25,000 in gas cards, flights and other items related to the diagnosis of cancer fighters in Florida’s Suncoast area. To learn more about Team Tony, visit www.TeamTony.org.