Think uphill. Way uphill.
On Sept. 4, Barclays Global Investors will sponsor America's most brutal bike race. The Barclays Global Investors Grand Prix takes professional cyclists up some of San Francisco's toughest hills and through neighborhoods such as North Beach and Russian Hill and the financial district.
This marks the first time BGI has sponsored the 108.3-mile San Francisco race, which started in 2001. Cycling is driven by "innovations in technology, and nobody wins without being a part of the team," said Matthew Scanlan, managing director.
Not only is BGI the chief sponsor, but Jim Miller, a client service associate, is assembling his own team to participate in this year's race, which includes some of the top performers from the Tour de France. A $50,000 purse will be awarded to the top finishers.
As in money management, BGI's cycling aspirations are global. On Oct. 2, the firm's iShares will sponsor the Zuri Metzgete, one of 27 professional races on the European cycling tour. The race starts in Zurich's city center and takes cyclists over steep mountain passes.
