A big part of our mission, to help people live healthier lives, is to provide inspiration and demonstrate what a "life well lived" looks like. In 2010, we decided to become title sponsor of a professional cycling team. With their commitment to healthy habits, good nutrition, exercise and teamwork, this group of high-performing cyclists is the very picture of the ideals we advocate. The choice was obvious. Most people can only aspire to the 100-mile rides that are just part of a day's work for these dedicated professional cyclists, they lead by example – and stir up excitement for UnitedHealthcare.

Team Success

Team UnitedHealthcare is a nationally ranked team made up of accomplished cyclists from all over the world. The team, often referred to as the "UnitedHealthcare Blue Train," has dominated the U.S. racing circuit this season, enjoying an outstanding year to date. Emerging victorious 18 times thus far in 2011, Team UnitedHealthcare has reached the steps of the podium (taking first, second or third place) 52 times and has swept the podium three times throughout the year.

Community Outreach

And as bright as their star power is in the world of competitive cycling, it's even more powerful in the events they do as official UnitedHealthcare ambassadors. Team UnitedHealthcare travels the country and participates in community-level events that promote health, wellness, fitness and other principles of healthy living. They also act as role models, representing the UnitedHealthcare brand and our message about good health, and participating in events that align with our core brand – including visiting children in hospitals, and participating in Ride 2 Recovery.

Supporting UnitedHealthcare Children's Foundation

The team also supports the fundraising efforts of the UnitedHealthcare Children's Foundation, our charity that gives children grants that help cover medical expenses. In addition to helping us generate awareness for the Foundation, the team attends events and interacts in a meaningful way with our public, and the families and children who have had their lives touched in some way by the Foundation's work. The team also donated winnings from select races. So far this year, they've raised more than $60,000 for children in need.

Upcoming Races

If you haven't had a chance to catch the team in action yet this year, Team UnitedHealthcare will once again go head-to-head against the world's best in two of the biggest U.S. races of the 2011 season, the Larry H. Miller Tour of Utah (August 9-14) and the USA Pro Cycling Challenge (August 22-28).

Team members: Rory Sutherland (captain), Hilton Clarke, Jonathan Clarke, Robert Förster, Davide Frattini, Adrian Hegyvary, Max Jenkins, Chris Jones, Jake Keough, Christian Meier, Karl Menzies, Andrew Pinfold, Morgan Schmitt, Boy Van Poppel, Charles Wegelius, Bradley White, Scott Zwizanski.

Video: Pro Cycling Team members discuss importance of health insurance for personal and family well-being. (WMV format, 48.9 MB)

Video: UnitedHealthcare sponsorship of pro cycling team is a "perfect match." (WMV format, 38.7 MB)

Video: UnitedHealthcare Pro Cycling Team in action
(WMV format, 40.9 MB)