diff --git a/rowers/models.py b/rowers/models.py
index 491bda83..f4d59ded 100644
--- a/rowers/models.py
+++ b/rowers/models.py
@@ -2194,7 +2194,7 @@ class SiteAnnouncement(models.Model):
                 status = tweetapi.PostUpdate(self.announcement)
             except:
                 try:
-                    status = tweetapi.PostUpdate(self.announcement[:135])
+                    status = tweetapi.PostUpdate(self.announcement[:270])
                 except:
                     pass
         return super(SiteAnnouncement,self).save(*args, **kwargs)
diff --git a/rowers/views.py b/rowers/views.py
index ae511b83..a2558be9 100644
--- a/rowers/views.py
+++ b/rowers/views.py
@@ -13665,7 +13665,20 @@ def virtualevent_create_view(request):
 
             vs.save()
 
-            
+            # create Site Announcement & Tweet
+            if settings.DEBUG:
+                dotweet = False
+            else:
+                dotweet = True
+            sa = SiteAnnouncement(
+                announcement = "New Virtual Race on rowsandall.com: {name} on course {course}".format(
+                    name = name,
+                    course = course.name.encode('utf8')
+                    ),
+                dotweet = dotweet
+                )
+
+            sa.save()
 
             url = reverse(virtualevents_view)
             return HttpResponseRedirect(url)