BMC Switzerland, sponsor of the NoTubes Trans-Sylvania Epic (TSEpic) mountain bike stage race, is highlighting their commitment to young racers by sponsoring a new youth category, the U25 GC, at the 2013 TSEpic.

“Offering this service is a pleasure,” states Matt Heitmann, Director of Marketing. “We’ve seen enough young riders rise to the professional ranks to know their early racing is an important investment. BMC is happy to provide support for such a good race.”

At the end of May on the singletrack of Pennsylvania, the fastest U25 Man and Woman in the race will be awarded a leader’s jersey. BMC is the title sponsor for the 2013 race and is proud to provide the award for North America’s fastest growing mountain bike stage race.

Since 2011, BMC has been sponsoring the nation’s most talented young cross-country riders, including: Kerry Werner (Banner Elk, NC), Jack Hinkens (Eden Prairie, WI) and Tyler Coplea (Fountain Hills, AZ); and a women’s team that dominated MTB Nationals in 2011 with riders Alicia Rose Pastore (Durango, CO), Grace Alexander (Boise, ID) and Shayna Powless (Roseville, CA).

BMC and TSEpic are providing a platform for talented young riders to generate exposure at an international level through this weeklong competition. The U25 race is not just among the fastest solo racers, but crosses all categories – solo, duo and Epic Team. The winners will earn free entry to the 2014 solo competitions. Uniquely, TSEpic is also perfectly placed for the competitive year, as the 2013 US Nationals are located only a few hours away at Bear Creek Ski Resort near Allentown, PA.

“A week of high level competition at the beginning of the season, plus the ability to race on terrain very similar to what will be experienced at the National Championships is the perfect mix for success in 2012,” comments 3-time TSEpic racer and former podium finisher, Drew Edsall of the Kenda/Felt team. “What TSEpic and BMC have put together for U25 racers, over and above the already impressive TSEpic, is fantastic and every young athlete ought to put this on his or her schedule.”

The NoTubes Trans-Sylvania Epic, presented by Dirt Rag, will take place May 26 – June 1, 2013 and includes categories for Solo, Duo, Experience and Epic Team participants. To stay up to date with the latest news and updated contender lists, including the U25 competitions, please visit TSEpic.com and follow on facebook and twitter.