Date set for Ryan Phua Memorial Kids' Ride, Burlingame Criterium

The 7th annual Ryan Phua Memorial Kids' Ride, featuring more than 700 kids of all ages, will once again provide one of the key highlights at the 24th annual Burlingame Criterium, set for Sunday, June 27, 2010. The race activities will fill the streets, restaurants and shops of downtown Burlingame with thousands of competitive cyclists, children, volunteers and spectators. Adding to the excitement of Ryan's Ride, the day's multiple races will culminate in a Men's pro event and a separate Women's pro event.

The Burlingame Criterium gives the local community a unique taste of amateur and professional cycling in a challenging, fast, circuit of downtown Burlingame, while Ryan's Ride encourages a new generation of cycling enthusiasts. Proceeds from the combined events go to the Lance Armstrong Foundation and Burlingame Community for Education Foundation. To date, more than $325,000 has been raised for local cancer survivor and elementary school programs.

"A festive athletic event that includes people of all ages and abilities does the community good in more ways than one," said Cathy Baylock, Mayor of Burlingame. "On top of that, the money raised for local education goes directly to supplies for close to 3,000 local kindergarten through eighth-grade students."

Ryan's Ride is named in memory of Ryan Phua, one of John and Michele Phua's twin sons born after John's successful recovery from cancer. In 2003, at the age of 2 1/2, Ryan passed away from Sudden Unexplained Death in Childhood. Ryan's Ride was established to celebrate his life, while supporting Bay Area cancer survivorship programs in recognition of John's having overcome the disease.

"Cancer is projected to become the leading cause of death worldwide this year," said Doug Ulman, president and CEO of the Lance Armstrong Foundation.  "We must come together within our communities to fight this disease.  It's inspiring to see the Burlingame Criterium, Ryan's Ride and the local community stepping up to fight cancer, and we are honored LIVESTRONG will benefit from this incredible effort."

Ryan's Ride starts at 10:20 a.m., and everyone's a winner in the 4 years and under, 5-8 years and 9-12 years categories. The rider from each age category who raises the most pledges receives a grand prize. The free race starts at the corner of Lorton and California avenues.