The Sports Backers announced it will partner with UnitedHealthcare to host the second-annual 2013 MARTIN’s Tour of Richmond cycling event Saturday, Oct. 5. The inaugural event in 2012 drew nearly 1,000 riders from throughout the east coast. What’s cool about the announcement is that UnitedHealthcare sponsors one of the most successful pro cycling teams in the country, and they announced that two members of the team will be in attendance for the Gran Fondo. The athletes will be announced in late September.

UnitedHealthcare’s team at the Tour de Beauce.

The MARTIN’S Tour of Richmond is opened to the public and welcomes cyclists of all abilities and levels, offering three different distances. The Gran Fondo (“Big Ride” in Italian) is 102 miles and begins at Richmond International Raceway. There are also 59-mile and 29-mile courses that start at different points along the loop. All riders finish at the raceway, and they will be able to take a “Victory Lap” around the race track as they cross the finish line. Afterward, the riders will celebrate their accomplishments at the UnitedHealthcare post-ride party featuring fun and refreshments.

Registration for the second annual MARTIN’S Tour of Richmond is now available at www.sportsbackers.org. Online registration is open through Oct. 2, 2013.