George Hincapie to Participate in 2010 Dempsey Challenge Hincapie Sportswear returns as official jersey LEWISTON, Maine. June 21, 2010 – Five-time Olympian and reigning U.S. Professional National Road Race Champion George Hincapie will participate in the second annual Dempsey Challenge presented by Amgen, a non-competitive run, walk and cycling event benefiting The Patrick Dempsey Center for Cancer Hope & Healing. The Dempsey Challenge offers a 5K and 10K run/walk on October 2 and cycling routes of 10, 25, 50 and 100 miles on October 3. All events will begin and end at Simard-Payne Police Memorial Park in Lewiston, Maine. Hailed as “America's premier classics rider,” Hincapie, 37, took part in the inaugural event in 2009, highlighting a stellar lineup of professional cyclists including David Zabriskie, Ted King and Stephen Roche. He took part in the weekend festivities capped by a 50-mile ride alongside his friend, actor Patrick Dempsey. “Patrick and I share a passion for cycling and we both want to do our part to help those living with cancer,” said Hincapie. “My family has been touched by the disease and I’m looking forward to returning to Maine and doing my part to provide support and increase awareness.” “I had a great time with George last year,” said Dempsey. “To have a rider of his caliber participate in the Dempsey Challenge meant a great deal to me. George understands the significance of the event and I’m thrilled to have him back.” Hincapie, a Greenville, SC resident, turned professional in 1994 and has competed in the Tour de France for the past 14 years. He is the only rider to be on a Tour winning team eight times, placed a career-best 14th in 2005 and recovered from a stage 17 crash to place 19th overall in 2009. He currently rides for team BMC and is the co-owner of Hincapie Sportswear. Hincapie Sportswear returns as the official jersey of the Dempsey Challenge and will partner with participating teams to create custom jerseys for the event. For more than 50 years, the Hincapies have dedicated themselves to excellence in the sport of cycling.  Through Hincapie Sportswear, they are combining the lessons they have learned on the road with excellence in customer service, quality craftsmanship and stylish designs, to create the most comfortable, functional and stylish cycling apparel in the world. The weekend will include a family friendly Festival in the Park which plays host to a Health and Wellness Expo, KidZone, vendor fair and live entertainment. Runners and walkers will enjoy the 5 & 10K Café on Oct. 2 while cyclists are invited to take part in a participant lobster bake the following day. The Amgen Breakaway from Cancer Survivor Walk will be part of the closing ceremonies on Oct. 3. Participants are encouraged to create or join teams through the Dempsey Challenge website to build camaraderie and assist their fundraising efforts.  For more information, including participant, volunteer and fundraising information, please log on to www.dempseychallenge.org. For more information on George Hincapie please visit: www.georgehincapie.com or Hincapie Sportswear: www.hincapie.com