Ben Higgins will be grand marshal of IU's Little 500

ABC's The Bachelor, Ben Higgins, has been named the grand marshal of this year's Little 500 at Indiana University Bloomington.

On April 15, before the women's Little 500, he will welcome each of the riders before the race and present each team with a rose, rather than a handshake. He will also start the race.

On April 16, the day of the men's Little 500, he will greet each of the riders and will ride in the pre-race parade.

Higgins' fiancé Lauren Bushnell will join him at the festivities.

"There are not many life experiences that can encompass the commitment, tradition, cheer and camaraderie that the Little 500 fosters,” Higgins said in a press release. “Indiana University and the Little 500 race have and will always be joyful experiences. I’m grateful to participate in the celebration and tradition once again. Thank you for inviting me back home to IU.”

“Indiana’s ‘Perfect Ben’ is a role model for more than his fame and very good looks,” said IU Student Foundation Director Tara Vickers. “While not every IU student will become a TV star, the IU Student Foundation hopes every student will follow Ben’s lead, incorporating philanthropic activity in his or her life beyond IU. We are thrilled to welcome Ben back to IU and to have him participate in Little 500 events.”

Higgins received a Bachelor of Science degree in public affairs with a management major from the IU School of Public and Environmental Affairs in May 2012.

The Little 500 bike race raises money for scholarships for working IU students and provides professional development for many students who work off the track and behind the scenes.