EAGLE, ID, October 12, 2009 - Three weeks ago Boise native and Idaho® potato fan Kristin Armstrong won the 2009 UCI Road World Championships in Mendriso, Switzerland and today she hit the airwaves to talk taters to thousands of consumers across the country. Kristin became one of America's most prominent athletes when she took home the Gold in woman's cycling at the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing.
Still riding high on her recent win, Kristin recounted, in 30 live interviews, the last few minutes of the race that reinforced her title as the best female cyclist in the world. When asked her secrets to success, proper nutrition topped Kristin's list. Whether training or competing, Kristin makes certain her diet is loaded with complex carbohydrate foods like Idaho® potatoes. She shared one of her favorite recipes, Parmesan Idaho® Potatoes, which are easy to make and eat - no matter where in the world she might be. Cut into bite-sized squares, Kristin wraps them in foil, carries them with her on her bike and pops them in her mouth when she needs some fuel. Several of Kristin's interviews can be viewed on www.idahopotato.com and the IPC's YouTube Channel.
"The Idaho Potato Commission and the entire state of Idaho are extremely proud of Kristin. All her years of training and competing have paid off ten-fold and now the sky is the limit for this talented athlete - no matter what she chooses to do," said Frank Muir, President & CEO, Idaho Potato Commission. "I am thrilled to be working with Kristin. She is a great role model who works extremely hard and is committed to leading a healthy, positive life."
Idaho® Potato Harvest Game - Sweepstakes Extended to November 20
Due to popular demand, the deadline for Idaho® Potato Harvest game that offers consumers a chance to win $10,000 ($5,000 for them and $5,000 for the school of their choice) has been extended to November 20, 2009.
To enter, visit www.idahopotato.com/harvest_game and play the "Idaho® Potato Harvest Game." Consumers simply watch a short, animated video hosted by the IPC mascot, Spuddy Buddy, who tells the Idaho® potato harvest story - how it starts from a seed, grows into a nutritious spud that eventually makes it to your plate. After the video, consumers are asked to play a short memory game, which requires arranging a series of storyboards in the order they appeared in the video. The game is open to U.S. residents ages 7 and older. The winner is selected at random via a raffle drawing and will be notified on or about December 15, 2009. For sweepstakes rules and guidelines, visit www.idahopotato.com/harvest_game.
Founded in 1937 as the Idaho Fruit and Vegetable Advertising Commission, the IPC, made up of nine commissioners representing processors, shippers and growers, is the national authority on the world's best-loved potato: The Idaho® potato. The IPC is funded by a tax levied on all Idaho-grown potatoes based on hundredweight, with the monies used to advertise, promote, research and improve the state's potato crop.
The Idaho Potato Commission is a state agency that is primarily responsible for expanding the markets for Idaho-grown potatoes through advertising, promotion and research. The Commission also protects the use of the "Idaho® potato" and "Grown in Idaho®" seals, which are federally registered Certification Marks that belong to the IPC. These Marks ensure that consumers are purchasing potatoes that have been grown in the state of Idaho.