MADISON, Wis. – America's Dairyland is bustling with activity during June Dairy Month. From farm breakfasts to dairy-centric celebrations, there is something for everyone, and Tour of America's Dairyland (ToAD)—the largest competitive road cycling series in the United States—is just one of the many events. This year, riders from across the U.S. and several other countries are expected to participate in ToAD. After racers cross the finish line, they'll enjoy ice cold chocolate milk to help refuel their tired bodies.
"It wouldn't be June in Wisconsin without two things – farm breakfasts and the Tour of America's Dairyland," said Dave BavInka, vice president of advertising at Wisconsin Milk Marketing Board (WMMB). "The cycling series is one of the signature events that we look forward to sponsoring each year as it helps showcase Wisconsin's great dairy heritage and it's many high-quality dairy products including Wisconsin Cheese."
ToAD, presented by WMMB, offers 10 consecutive days of racing from June 17-26. New this year, is the addition of the Downtown West Bend Criterium on June 20.
Since the race's inception in 2008, racers have received chocolate milk after crossing the finish line. According to studies, low-fat chocolate milk supports muscle recovery which is vital for racers who are participating in multiple events and the beverage provides an ideal ratio of nutrients that is more effective than most sports drinks.
"Tour of America's Dairyland is a first class event and one of the best races in the world," said cycling champion and ToAD veteran, Brent Emery. "Between the non-stop competitive riding, the cheering crowds and the chocolate milk, there's an excitement that you can't find anywhere else."
Kemps Dairy, an official event sponsor, will provide 13,000 cartons of low-fat chocolate milk to help riders refuel after they cross the finish lines. To give spectators a taste of Wisconsin dairy, WMMB's Win With Chocolate Milk team will be handing out samples of low-fat chocolate milk at the Shorewood Criterium Cycling Classic on June 23, the Café Centraal Bay View Classic on June 24, and the East Tosa Gran Prix in Wauwatosa on June 26.
For the complete schedule of events or to register for the ToAD series, visit
www.TourOfAmericasDairyland.com. To learn more about the sports recovery benefits of low-fat chocolate milk, visit
www.winwithchocolatemilk.com. For additional information about WMMB or low-fat chocolate milk, contact Dave Bavlnka at
dbavlnka@wmmb.org.