First Green Bank Sponsored Cyclist Finishes 11th in Race Across America

EUSTIS, Fla. – Steven Perezluha, the 20-year-old Longwood cyclist First Green Bank sponsored recently in the 30th annual Race Across America (RAAM), finished 11th overall in the 3,000 mile marathon event.

Ken LaRoe, chairman and chief executive officer of First Green Bank, said Perezluha pedaled his bicycle from Oceanside, Calif. to Annapolis, Maryland in 10 days and eight hours.

Forty-one elite international cyclists competed in the event, LaRoe said. Perezluha placed fourth among 18 American cyclists competing in the event and ninth among cyclists who are younger than 50 years of age, LaRoe said.

Perezluha was honored with a special award – named after 5-time reigning RAAM champion, Jure Robic, who was tragically hit and killed by a car this past year while he was training for RAAM -- for the fastest rider through the hilliest section of the race, in climbing feet per mile, from Cumberland, MD to Hancock, MD.

“Steven Perezluha is a remarkable young Central Floridian who is just beginning his career and we were proud to sponsor his entry,” LaRoe said. “He is an inspiration to us all and a rising star in the sport,” LaRoe added.