Saab Cars USA’s Pro Cycling Series : 1995

Posted on 14. Jul, 2008 by Ryan in 2000-2009

Photo Credit: The Race For The Rock

Saab Automobile USA as many of you know are spending a considerable amount of money with their sponsorship of team Mavic who are participating in the 2008 Tour de France.

This event is certainly not a new concept of being part of the cycling world for Saab Automobile USA. Over the years, Saab USA have been sponsoring cycling events that included a Saab Pro Cycling series that took place in 1995 as I have recently found on the following pro cycling website.

You will notice that Saab Automobile USA, formerly Saab Cars USA, Inc.’s very own Mike Parahus who worked as a regional marketing director for Saab USA, played a major role in securing this arrangement.

International Cycling was formed in 1988 to promote and manage cycling teams and events, shall be the ownership and management entity of the proposed team. In the past International Cycling administered the day to day operations of teams such as the Saab Professional Cycling Team, the IME (Independent Medical Examinations) Professional Cycling Team, The Bolla Wines Professional Cycling Team, Plymouth- Reebok Cycling Team and events such as the Adelphia Gran Prix, The Race for the Rock and the US National Cyclo-cross Championships.

International Cycling is comprised of three top industry related individuals. The first is Bill Sykes, a veteran of the cycling industry, having been involved in the sport for the past 25 years. Bill has played a major role in securing sponsors for the team and managed the day to day operations. In 1995 the team was named the top team on the East Coast.

The second individual, Mike Parahus, spent 23 years at the executive level with the Swedish automobile manufacturer, Saab. Mike’s last position with Saab was that of regional marketing director for the entire East Coast, Saab’s most important and profitable market. Mike was responsible for Saab’s involvement with cycling, charities such as the Jimmy Fund, Special Olympics and Bike Boston.

The third individual is Paul McCormack, former Olympian and professional cyclist. Paul has been responsible for the general technical set up of the US portion for Our Ladies Hospital for the Sick, Crumlin, Dublin, Ireland charity ride since it began in 1993. A member of the 1988 Irish Olympic Team, Paul has ridden to many victories in the United States and Europe during his career. Paul was the founder and driving force behind the Sean Kelly Tour of America.

32 56 POWELL, Donnie SAAB Philadelphia PA ” ”
51 51 BISHOP, Andy SAAB Middleton, OH ” ”
DSQ 54 McCORMACK, Mark SAAB Plymouth, MA
62 52 LONERGAN, Declan SAAB Waterford, Irel ” ”

Tags: 9-3, 9-5, Automotive Component Group, new 9-5, new saab 9-3, saab, saab 9-3, saab 9-4x, saab 9-5, saab 9-5 wagon, saab 900, saab 9000, saab 99, Saab Automobile, saab ng900, Saab USA, United States