COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. - The National Off-Road Bicycle Association (NORBA) announced Thursday that the Mercury Tour will not take place in 2001.

The year 2000 marked the end of the Mercury Tour's four-year corporate sponsorship contracts. NORBA has been unable to secure sponsorship in time to plan or execute the event in 2001 at the expectation level set by the successful Mercury Tour. The August 31 deadline for placement on the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) race calendar was also a factor.

NORBA Managing Director Leslie Klein emphasized a mountain bike stage race is not off the calendar forever.

"NORBA would very much like to hold a UCI calendar stage race in the United States. One of NORBA's goals for 2001 is to secure the sponsorship necessary to host one in 2002," Klein said. "We know the race has been a highlight for many professional teams and racers, and we hope to relaunch an event of this caliber."

Klein expressed NORBA's appreciation for the hard work and support of those involved with the Mercury Tour: race organizer Len Pettyjohn, title sponsor Mercury, presenting sponsor and broadcast partner Outdoor Life Network and venue host Steamboat Springs Ski Resort.

— Courtesy of USA Cycling