If you’re debating between the 59-mile and 29- versions, or maybe you’re worried 100 miles is a bit too far, here’s a reason to choose the 59-mile ride for Saturday’s annual Gran fondo — the Martin’s Tour of Richmond. The group announced yesterday that two members of the UnitedHealthcare Pro Cycling team, Brad White and Jonny Clarke, will attend the Tour.

“We are looking forward to being a part of this year’s MARTIN’s Tour of Richmond,” said UnitedHealthcare Pro Cycling Team rider, Jonny Clarke. “In addition to participating in the activities surrounding the Tour, my teammate Brad White and I will be involved in a few activities in the Richmond community. This is something we do throughout the year on behalf of our title sponsor, UnitedHealthcare, and are happy to engage a community that is so supportive of cycling.”

In advance of the event, Clarke and White will participate in an “athlete Q&A” on the MARTIN’S Tour of Richmond Facebook page, where they will respond to fan questions on the page. Before the event, on Friday, October 4, the two will visit Martin Luther King Jr. Middle School in Richmond’s east end to talk to the students about cycling safety, goal setting, and the importance of exercise. Then, the duo will head to Richmond Raceway Complex to take part in a Q&A session from 5:30-6 p.m. during packet pick-up.

In its inaugural year in 2012, the event drew nearly 1,000 riders. Both riders will participate in the 59-mile ride on Saturday. After the ride, Clarke and White will hold an autograph session at 2 p.m. at the UnitedHealthcare Post Ride Party for riders and others in attendance.

White and Clarke joined the UnitedHealthcare Pro Cycling team in 2009 and 2010, respectively. During the 2013 season, White won the Glencoe Criterium along with both the Beverly and the St. Charles Criterium races at the 2013 Prairie State Cycling Series. Clarke played an integral role in helping the team capture both the individual and team overall wins at the 2013 Tour of the Gila; as well as second place overall in the 2013 Tour of Utah. The UnitedHealthcare Pro Cycling Team boasted 40 race wins, 99 podium finishes, and 211 top 10 finishes this season en route to winning the sport’s coveted UCI America’s Tour, the National Criterium Calendar (NCC) individual and team titles, and the USA CRITS individual and team titles.