Fairfield, CA: The Jelly Belly Pro-Cycling Team announced this week that it has accepted invitations to compete at the internationally sanctioned Tour of Qinghai Lake and the Tour of Hong Kong this summer.  Jelly Belly Candy Company, the title sponsor, is the maker of the internationally famous Jelly Belly® jelly bean, the American sweet preferred by President Ronald Reagan. The company recently introduced Sport Beans™ jelly beans, a sport performance jelly bean, in Hong Kong.

“We’re delighted to have the opportunity to send our riders to compete in such prestigious and competitive races,” said Jelly Belly Candy Company President Robert Simpson. “China is an emerging market for Jelly Belly beans and Sport Beans. The exposure the team will garner during its appearances will create excitement for our products.”

Riders scheduled to compete at the Tour of Qinghai Lake are Andrew Bajadali (US), Alex Candelario (US), Nick Reistad (US), Brian Dziewa (US), Matty Rice (AUS) and James Meadley (AUS).

“These races are considered among the world’s premier cycling events, so our riders are honored at the invitations and are looking forward to a strong showing,” said Danny Van Haute, Team Director. “The Tour of Qinghai Lake actually suits us well, it is a long, tough race at altitude. Several of our top riders live and train at altitude so we’re confident we’ll do well. Look for Andy Bajadali to really excel when the climbs get steep.”

Riders Reistad, Rice and Meadley are also scheduled to compete in the Tour of Hong Kong. Joining them will be Brice Jones (US) and Bryce Mead (US).

Van Haute added, “The stages for the Tour of Hong Kong are mostly flat circuits so we are sending our ace sprinter Brice Jones. With two NRC stage wins under his belt, he’s enjoying the best season of his career.”

While in Hong Kong, the team is scheduled to make promotional appearances at area bike shops and candy retailers. They also plan to conduct a mini training camp for the Future Stars, Hong Kong’s aspiring competitive cyclists ages 8-18.