When West Chester welcomes the 2019 Benchmark Twilight Cycling Classic to its streets on Saturday, Aug. 10, a great number of new names will be on display – businesses eager to be associated with the event’s 15th anniversary of professional racing and family-themed activities.

The most recent to become a part of this iconic event is Wilmington University, the new title sponsor of the Pro Women’s Criterium, the penultimate event on race day.

Wilmington University offers undergraduate and graduate degrees both on campus and online to a diverse student body of more than 20,000 students. The university is dedicated to distinguishing itself as an open-access education facility by providing innovative, career-oriented programs centered on its students – all at an affordable price.

WilmU recently opened its new Brandywine Campus, which will provide residents of Chester and Delaware counties access to more than 150 affordable higher education programs. The campus boasts state-of-the-art facilities and is located at the intersection of Route 202 and Beaver Valley Road, across from the Concord Mall.

“Wilmington University is proud to sponsor the Benchmark Twilight Cycling Classic’s Pro Women’s Criterium,” said WilmU President Dr. LaVerne T. Harmon. “We celebrate the strength and determination of the women who will come from across the country to participate in this prestigious event, and we’re delighted that our athletes and Student Life team will be there to cheer them on.”

The Wilmington University Pro Women’s Criterium will once again attract top female riders eager to compete in one of the most popular and challenging courses on the USA CRITS Championship calendar. Adding to its allure is prize parity with the Iron Hill Pro Men’s Race.

“We are excited to see Wilmington University sponsor this year’s Benchmark Twilight Cycling Classic and support our local communities in Chester County,” said Mark Yoder, President of the Greater West Chester Chamber of Commerce and organizer of the Benchmark Twilight Cycling Classic.

Yoder welcomed WilmU by noting the institution’s focus on empowering its diverse students, most of whom work full- or part-time, to achieve their academic goals via flexible and convenient formats, and to prepare for success in the global marketplace.

“The women who compete in the Wilmington University Pro Women’s Criterium exhibit that same sort of grit and determination,” he said.  “And they provide an inspiration to young and old alike. These pro women athletes are the perfect role models for anyone aiming to better their lives.”