The Interbike Industry Party returns to celebrate 30 years of Interbike and the 30th anniversary of the formation of the legendary 7-Eleven professional cycling team. The party will be held on Tuesday evening, September 13th at the Lavo Nightclub in the Palazzo Hotel, and all Interbike exhibitors and attendees can attend.
Shimano is co-sponsoring the party, and complimentary vodka beverages will be provided by Ultimat until 11 p.m.
"Interbike and the 7-Eleven team have both been instrumental in moving the industry forward for these last 30 years," said Interbike show director Andy Tompkins.
A new book on the team – "Team 7-Eleven – How An Unsung Band Of American Cyclists Took On The World And Won" by Geoff Drake – will be gifted to the first 200 party attendees. Members of the original 7-Eleven team will be on hand for book signings.
Team 7-Eleven founder Jim Ochowicz said: "The 7-Eleven story showed us that what’s good for American bike racing is also good for American bike retailing. The success that Team 7-Eleven had in America and Europe went hand-in-hand with the rapid growth of all forms of cycling here.
"As I look back 30 years to the formation of the 7-Eleven team and the birth of Interbike, I’m proud of what all of us in the bike community have been able to accomplish together."
One of the team’s finest moments was the near victory of Andy Hampsten on the 14th stage of the 1988 Giro d’Italia. Many US cyclists today say the photos and TV coverage of Hampsten’s Gavia Pass climb inspired them to start cycling.