Rapid City, SD (July 22, 2017) — As the Tour de France ends, the next generation of cycling pros from around the world competed in the country’s cutest sport – toddler balance bike racing. Strider Bikes, the world’s leading manufacturer and marketer of children’s no-pedal balance bikes, hosted the event with record-breaking attendance welcoming nearly 400 toddlers aged 18 months to 5 years old to the Gallivan Center in Salt Lake City, July 22, for the 7th Annual 2017 Strider Cup World Championship presented by Dannon.
Families traveled from across the U.S., as well as 50 competitors representing 14 additional countries; Aruba, Australia, Belgium, Canada, China, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Japan, Russia, Sweden, Tahiti, Taiwan, Thailand and Vietnam. The pint-sized tykes piloted Strider Bikes along a 750-foot plus course with obstacles, water features, cones and ramps. The youngest registered racer was 18-month-old Walker Huntsman of Salt Lake City.
“The Strider Bikes give them something healthy to do,” said Brett Windfrey of Ogden, Utah. He had three sons racing; 2-year-old twins Masen and Jett, and 5-year-old Carrter. “The first thing they want to do when they wake up is go outside and ride.”
The Japanese dominated the races, taking home all world titles. The Strider Cup World Championship included the 2 and under class and the 3-year-old class, both sponsored by LDS Hospital. Kaisei Nishimura won the 2 and under class, and Raito Kaneko came out on top of the largest field of the day in the 3-year-old class title. Taiga Kuwahara took home the top trophy in the 4-year-old class, sponsored by Competitive Cyclist. Waku Kunitate won the 5-year-old class, sponsored by The Color Run.
The event also included the Special Needs Races sponsored by Chick-fil-A for 30 racers of all ages and abilities on the 12” models, as well as the 16” and 20” balance bikes. Several athletes with the Jimmy Jaguars and Bright Bears Special Olympics teams participated.
“Riding the Strider Bikes has helped their balance, coordination, and confidence,” said Melissa Clark, mother of 9-year-old twins Sara and Emma of Eagle Mountain, Utah, who participated in the Special Needs Race. “They loved the race. It was so exciting and fun for them to do something like this.”
Prior to the championship race, Strider hosted three Strider Cup races in cities around the country: May 6 in Fort Worth, TX, May 27 in Pittsburgh, PA, and June 10 in Lincoln, NE. The Strider event page, https://www.striderbikes.com/events has more information on all of the races.
About Dannon
DanoneWave Public Benefit Corporation is the largest benefit corporation in the U.S. and is a business unit of Danone. DanoneWave was formed following the acquisition of Whitewater Foods by Danone, bringing together two purpose-driven, health-focused and high-growth companies. DanoneWave’s ambition is to produce healthful dairy, plant-based products and coffee creamers and beverages, create economic and social value and nurture natural ecosystems through sustainable agriculture. Its portfolio of brands include: Activia, DanActive, Danimals, Dannon, Danonino, Danone, Earthbound Farm, Horizon Organic premium dairy products, International Delight coffee creamers and iced coffee, Light & Fit, Oikos Greek yogurt, Silk plant-based foods and beverages, So Delicious Dairy Free, Vega and Wallaby Organic.
About Strider Sports International, Inc.
Strider Sports designs efficient, no-pedal balance bikes for children age 18 months – 5, and for older riders with balance and coordination challenges. Strider’s mission is to simplify a bike, so proper size and weight combine to eliminate fear of riding and instill confidence. Strider Bikes allow riders to learn balance, leaning and steering; thus eliminating the need for tricycles or training wheels. Founded in 2007 in Rapid City, S.D., Strider has sold over 1.6 million bikes and is distributed in over 75 countries. It has donated over $850,000 through its Rider Fund. Visit www.StriderBikes.com, Facebook or Instagram.