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For the fifth straight year Cycling Classics Inc. is presenting the two-day Chain of Lakes Cycling Classic in Central Florida, attracting the best bicyclists in the Southeast to compete on behalf of the Polk County Humane Society.
 
After five years survived economic downturn, ugly political games among cycling promoters trying to keep groups of riders for their own events, and a sanctioning body trying to make more money off the event than the event could raise for donations but none of that daunted Cycling Classics organizers. The group, founded in 2008, has never strayed from its core principles: Community, Charity, Cycling.

Cycling Classics still puts on one of the most popular events in the state, despite not offering fat purses and bonus championship points. The event is popular because the Cycling Classics crew—100 percent volunteer—work hard to make sure the weekend offers an exceptional experience for riders, spectators, and sponsors alike.

Cycling Classics was incorporated as a non-profit in 2008 by Bill Cundiff, Dan Rooney, Bob Rayburn, Scott Miller, and Howard King, riding buddies who wanted to give back to their sport and their city, and to support charity; specifically, helping the Polk County Humane Society in its quest to keep abandoned or abused pets alive.

The Polk Humane Society operates a no-kill shelter—the only one in the area. Despite the cost, the staff keeps unwanted and abused pets alive and cared for until suitable owners adopt them.

In 2009 Cycling Classics Inc. successfully staged its first two-day event, and every year since its reputation has grown.

The Chain of Lakes Classic’s has not changed much since its inception. Saturday is devoted to road racing in Fort Meade, while Sunday is reserved for Criterium races in downtown Winter Haven, punctuated by the always popular Kids’ Race, where riders from toddlers to the age of ten get a chance join the excitement.

In the event’s second year the organizers experimented with adding a time trial event on Saturday afternoon, after the road races; this proved so popular it has become a permanent part of the program.

Cycling Classics still puts on one of the most popular events in the state, despite not offering fat purses and bonus championship points. The event is popular because the Cycling Classics crew—100 percent volunteer—work hard to make sure the weekend offers an exceptional experience for riders, spectators, and sponsors alike.

For a while, the Chain of Lakes Cycling Classic carried special status as a Florida Cup or Florida Crown event, which gave professional riders extra championship points. The elevated status was supposed to attract more riders, but also cost the organizers a higher sanction fee. Eventually the organizers decided that the event had enough appeal on its own merits, and this year’s event proves their wisdom. All the region’s best cyclists showed up not for bonus points, but to compete in a superior event.