Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. and Clear Channel Outdoors hold press conference at Times Square to urge cyclists from all over the world to ride in the 22nd annual Tour de Bronx

Today, Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. hosted a press conference at the “Crossroads of the World,” Times Square, in conjunction with Clear Channel Outdoor urging cycling enthusiasts from all over the world to participate in the 22nd annual Tour de Bronx.

“This is one of my favorite events of the year,” said Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr., who plans on participating in the event. “The Tour de Bronx not only emphasizes maintaining a healthy lifestyle, complementing our ‘#Not62’ health initiative to improve the overall health of our borough. It also highlights our borough’s historical sites, beautiful waterfronts and vibrant neighborhoods, showcasing the best we have to offer to both our residents and visitors from around the world. Once again, we are welcoming riders from across the region and around the globe to see The Bronx as they have never seen it before.”

As part of their new sponsorship of the event, Clear Channel Outdoor has donated advertising space in iconic Times Square, perhaps the most heavily-trafficked area in the world, encouraging riders to register for the upcoming Tour de Bronx, which is the largest free cycling event in New York State.

“We are proud to partner with the Bronx Tourism Office and the Bronx Borough President using the captivating and location-based power of our media to drive awareness for the annual Tour de Bronx cycling event,” said Harry Coghlan, president and general manager, Clear Channel Outdoor Americas-New York. “The Bronx is experiencing tremendous growth and event such as this continue to call attention to this burgeoning area where many of our own employees live, work and play.”

The Tour de Bronx was established in 1994 by the office of the Bronx Borough President and The Bronx Tourism Council as a means to promote a healthier lifestyle, encourage alternate modes of transportation and as a way to tour the borough.

Participants come from all over the country to ride one of two possible routes; a 25-mile ride or a 40-mile route; taking riders through different areas of The Bronx, including the Mott Haven district, Clason Point along the East River, Pelham Bay Park, historic Fort Schuyler on the Throggs Neck peninsula, the nautical community of City Island, with both routes finishing at the iconic New York Botanical Garden, where riders receive a complimentary souvenir T-shirt and enjoy a live musical performance as they relax from the day’s festivities.

The Tour De Bronx event has grown exponentially since its inception. The 2014 edition of the Tour de Bronx saw a record-breaking 7,500+ participants from all over the country gather on the Grand Concourse.

“The Tour de Bronx is a highly-anticipated annual event in the borough,” said Olga Luz Tirado, executive director, The Bronx Tourism Council. “Many come from various parts of the mid-Atlantic region and beyond. There are even some avid riders from overseas that participate in this amazing bike tour.

“We couldn’t be happier to be the principal sponsor of The Tour de Bronx because it represents everything Montefiore is about,” said Steven M. Safyer, M.D. president and CEO, Montefiore Medicine. “This event encourages all of us to get outside and exercise on a gorgeous day and experience the beauty and culture of our unique borough. By partnering together, we are actively advancing the health and well-being of the region.

The Tour de Bronx is made possible by Montefiore Medical Center; Bronx Lebanon Hospital Center and St. Barnabas Health System. Additional support is provided by The Coca Cola Company, Domino’s Pizza, Lehman College, and Fordham University.

Log onto www.tourdebronx.com to register or for more information.