Lexus Unites With Cyclists and Culinary Enthusiasts at Bottega Gran Fondo

Sponsorship kicks off Lexus' 2015 cycling initiatives

TORRANCE, CA -- April 20, 2015: The food, wine and cycling worlds converge April 24–26, 2015, at the Bottega Gran Fondo in Napa Valley, with Lexus as the official vehicle sponsor for the second year. The luxury automaker will provide a full race support fleet, with the all-new Lexus NX 300h hybrid luxury crossover featured as the lead race vehicle. Additionally, Lexus is the presenting partner for the event's King, Queen and Couple of the Mountain jerseys.

"Cycling, food, wine, stunning landscapes. We can't think of a better event to begin Lexus' 2015 cycling initiatives than with a scenic Napa Valley adventure shared with enthusiasts and top chefs, sommeliers and wine growers," said Brian Smith, Lexus vice president of marketing. "This exclusive event is an ideal partnership for Lexus, distinctly mixing our commitment to active lifestyle programming with our passion for culinary pursuits."

Renowned chef and Lexus Culinary Master Michael Chiarello hosts this intimate, weekend-long experience together with former Tour de France winner and World Champion Cadel Evans, plus a peloton of VIP guests including 17-time Tour de France competitor George Hincapie and legend Andy Hampsten. Cycling enthusiasts choose from 75-, 55- or 40-mile courses through Napa Valley, featuring chef-sponsored stops along the way and culminating in a post-ride Italian-style luncheon.

"In our second year we're again honored to have Lexus as an outstanding partner for Bottega Gran Fondo," said Rebecca Kotch, event director for Bottega Gran Fondo. "Lexus understands that guests of our boutique-style culinary and cycling event share the same interests and passions as their customers, making this partnership a great fit."

As part of the sponsorship, Lexus vehicles will be displayed throughout the event. Additionally, Carlton McCoy, Lexus' first master sommelier to join the Lexus Culinary Masters, will host a Saturday wine seminar at the Bottega Gran Fondo Mercato.

Bottega Gran Fondo is the first of a series of Lexus-sponsored cycling events in 2015, marking the company's overall continued commitment to cycling and active lifestyle pursuits. Lexus is also the official vehicle sponsor for the Amgen Tour of California, May 10–17, 2015, and the USA Pro Cycling Challenge, August 17–23, 2015.