Martinez, California resident Matt Orendoff has been selected as the winning designer of the 2013 Amgen Breakaway from Cancer® Most Courageous Rider Jersey. It was announced by Kristin Bachochin, Race Director of the 2013 Amgen Tour of California professional road cycling race and Vice President of AEG Sports, presenters of the annual international cycling event. This special and traditional jersey is awarded after each of the race’s eight stages to the professional cyclist who best exemplifies the character of those engaged in the fight against cancer – courage, sacrifice, inspiration, determination, and perseverance.
Earlier this year, AEG sponsored a design contest for the 2013 Amgen Breakaway from Cancer® Most Courageous Rider Jersey. Orendorff’s artwork prominently features the Breakaway from Cancer logo and a clean, sharp race-inspired design. It was chosen from a pool of submissions and determined by the following criteria: creativity (50 percent), use of colors and elements (25 percent), and choice of theme (25 percent).
Official jersey supplier Champion System will produce this specially designed jersey, and CREATE.IT, a crowdsourced talent discovery platform, is the online promotional partner that hosted the contest.
A Chico State graduate with a bachelor’s degree in English, Orendorff began his career in publishing before transitioning into print and graphic design. He works mainly on bicycling-related jobs for local bike shops and racing clubs.
“As a lifelong cyclist, aspiring designer, and the son of a cancer survivor, I am very proud and excited that my design was chosen as the winner of the Breakaway from Cancer Most Courageous jersey contest,” said Orendorff. “I hope that the professionals who wear it, the fans along the race route and anyone whose life has been touched by cancer are all inspired by my design to race harder, cheer louder and find the courage to beat cancer.”
The prize package includes a trip for Orendorff and one guest to one stage of the 2013 Amgen Tour of California, including round trip airfare, hotel accommodations, VIP Hospitality passes to the respective stage of the race, an Amgen Tour of California merchandise package, and the opportunity to meet the Most Courageous Rider winner of the stage following the awards ceremony.
“Amgen’s goal with Breakaway from Cancer is to raise awareness of the resources available for those touched by cancer – from prevention through survivorship,” said Bob Azelby, vice president and general manager, Amgen Oncology. “Amgen is committed to helping those with cancer, and the Most Courageous Rider Jersey contest is another way to reach into the community and connect with those impacted by the disease. Matt created a relevant and interesting design and we look forward to seeing which cyclists earn the jersey during the race this May.”
The 2013 Amgen Tour of California is set to cover approximately 750 miles from southern to northern California May 12 – 19, and will feature United Cycling International (UCI) Pro, Pro Continental and Continental squads. The 16 world-class teams chosen to participate in the eighth annual race will include Olympic medalists, Tour de France competitors and the reigning world champion.