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FORT COLLINS, Colo. – New Belgium Brewing announced today that its ballyhoo of bikes and beers, the Tour de Fat, will not return to Durango in 2009, having outgrown the preferred venue.
“The Tour de Fat has always been about bike advocacy and Durango understands that better than most cities,” said New Belgium spokesman Bryan Simpson. “In order to progress the advocacy element, we have to bring the show to new towns and we can’t add new events without balancing something on the other end.”
In order to help with the budgetary transition, New Belgium will donate $8,000 in 2009 to past beneficiaries, The San Juan Mountain Association and Trails 2000. Tour de Fat has raised more than $64,000 for local non-profits since 2002.
“This is not a decision we made lightly,” Simpson added. “We’ve worked hard to secure transition funding for our partnering non-profits. Durango cyclists will build on the momentum we’ve created together and they’ll continue to grow their world class cycling community. Meanwhile – take satisfaction in knowing that the message is being spread to new areas where people need a little more help building their scene.”
New Belgium will, however, return to Durango as a sponsor for the Single Speed World Opens in September.
New Belgium Brewing Company, makers of Fat Tire Amber Ale and a host of Belgian-inspired beers, began operations in a Fort Collins basement in 1991. Today, the third largest craft brewer in the U.S., New Belgium produces seven year-round beers, as well as a host of seasonal releases. New Belgium also takes pride in being a responsible corporate role model with progressive programs such as employee ownership, open book management and a commitment to environmental stewardship. For more information, visit www.newbelgium.com.
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