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Cyclist Hamilton to lead local ride

Aspen Times Staff

Boulder cyclist Tyler Hamilton, the 2004 Olympic time trial gold medalist, and Aspenites Chris Davenport and Mike Marolt are teaming up to lead a two-day benefit ride from Vail to Aspen and back July 29-30, according to a written statement announcing the event.The Rocky Mountain Challenge will tour some of the classic road routes in the state, including climbs over Tennessee Pass between Minturn and Leadville, and Independence Pass between Leadville and Aspen. The event is a fund-raiser for the Heuga Center in Edwards and the Tyler Hamilton Foundation in Boulder – both organizations support multiple sclerosis causes.A Tour de France veteran, Hamilton is banned from the race this year because of a positive test for blood doping. Hamilton, however, is appealing the two-year ban and has steadfastly maintained his innocence.Hamilton is also leading similar fund-raising rides in California, Massachusetts and along the Tour de France route in the Pyrenees.”The Tyler Hamilton Foundation literally hits the road for the next four months to promote our message of believing in yourself, in your abilities, in your fitness and in your healthy attitude no matter who you are,” said Deirdre Moynihan, executive director of the Tyler Hamilton Foundation. “We believe that there will be a cure for MS. We believe that individuals can do great things, even when faced with many challenges. We believe in the power of the bike.”The two-day ride from Vail to Aspen and back costs $120, along with a minimum fund-raising requirement of $400. There are also lower-cost options to ride one day, or to attend an evening talk with Hamilton.For more information or to register, visit http://www.tylerhamiltonfoundation.org