Cycling News Roundup 23 December 2007
Caisse d'Espargne signings double Gil, Fränk Schleck, Mr. & Mrs. David Lill,
Team News, Sponsor News, TeaM Spin12, ToCA
win a Felt 75...
Caisse d'Epargne-Illes Balears signs José
Joaquín Rojas Gil
The team Caisse d'Epargne-Illes Balears has signed José Joaquín Rojas Gil
for the next two seasons.
Rojas, who is native to Murcia, is only 21 years old and his future is expected
to be a brilliant one. He turned a professional at the beginning of 2006 with
the Team Liberty Seguros.
The team also signed Luis León Sánchez Gil for the
next two seasons.
Luis León Sánchez, who is native to Murcia, turned 23 years last
November. Luis started as a professional rider in 2004 with the Team Liberty
Seguros.
Fränk Schleck Luxembourg
Athlete of the Year
Frank Schleck photo c. Bart
Hazen
For the first time in his career Fränk Schleck has been awarded the prize as
Athlete of the year in his native Luxembourg.
"It means a lot to me, that I'm able to represent my country in a way my
countrymen appreciates. I'm very proud of this prize," said Schleck.
Victory in the Amstel Gold and stage 15 in le Tour highlighted the year for
Schleck.
Photo c. Fotoreporter Sirotti
Schleck had to leave the team training in South Africa one day early in order
to get home to the Galla Show, which he managed just 30 minutes before his name
was announced as the winner. Brother, Andy Schleck was third in the vote as
second place was European 800 metres track and field championship silver
medalist, David Fiegen. The journalists in Luxembourg are in charge of the vote
and only one ballot slip did not have as number one.
Predictor-Lotto
Camp & Tour Down Under Team
The team just finished an excellent training week on Majorca; the
next one will be from 9 to 18 January at Albufeira in southern Portugal, with 21
racers. Hendrik Redant leaves January 5th with Fred Rodriguez, Wim Vansevenant,
Geert Steurs, Josep Jufré en Mario Aerts for Australia's Tour Down Under, where
they will reinforce Robbie McEwen, Matthew Lloyd and Nick Gates. Cadel Evans
will be training in Australia, but will not race in Tour Down Under.
The official presentation of the team in Belgium, with all 30 racers is
programmed for February 28.
Congratulations to Darren & Lychelle Lill
Darren Lill Navigates to lovers' Virginia the long way round.
The off season is the only time pro riders manage to squeeze some
time out of a heavy schedule for personal events such as weddings.
Mr. and Mrs. David Lill leave the church on their Wedding day.
New Navigators signing Darren Lill has made the most of the a sunny South
African off season to get married and look ahead to a new season. Following
their wedding, Darren and the lovely Lychelle Lill spent their honeymoon in
Mauritius, returning home just in time for Christmas. Darren is making the most
of the great South African weather to prepare for his first season with the
Navigators team where he will debut in Australia's Tour Down Under in January.
From Australia Darren will go directly to the US where he will be joined by wife
Lychelle as they settle into a year of US life and racing. The happy couple will
be based in the beautiful mountains of a State who's slogan "Virginia is for
Lovers" seems appropriate to say the least.
Congratulations to the Darren and Lychelle from the Daily Peloton staff and
readers.
Team G Cross Honda
Minnaar, Lehikoinen Return, New Addition Brendan Fairclough
Team G Cross Honda will once again be returning to the international
mountain bike race season in 2007 with riders Greg Minnaar (RSA), Matti
Lehikoinen (FIN) and new addition Brendan Fairclough (GBR). The new line up of
three riders will be contesting the UCI World Cup Downhill as well as selected
Maxxis Cup events, British National Point Series events, and sending selected
riders to other high profile events such as Crankworx and the Lisbon Downtown.
Greg Minnaar, 25 years old from Pietermaritzburg, who has been with Team G
Cross Honda since 2004, will begin his 4th season on the Honda RN01 chasing the
World Title, as well as looking to take back the World Cup title he won in 2005.
It's clear his main rivals in 2007 will continue to be Steve Peat (GBR) and Sam
Hill (AUS), but as always his title pursuits will be supported by the best
equipment sponsors on the circuit; Showa suspension, Formula brakes, Alpinestars
clothing & protection, Maxxis tyres, Mavic rims and SDG I-Beam seats and posts.
Matti Lehikoinen, 22 years old from Helsinki, had a great season in 2006
winning the World Cup of Brazil, the Red Bull Empire Rider in Peru and finishing
6th overall in the World Cup. Team G Cross Honda is very happy to have retained
his services for a 3rd season and look forward to helping Matti reach his goal
of Top 5 overall in the World Cup, and of course, more World Cup podium results.
Brendan Fairclough, 18 years old from Hampshire, won the inaugural Junior
World Cup Downhill overall in 2006, and has been impressing people since
arriving on the international scene in 2005. Apart from his two World Cup
podiums as a junior-aged athlete, Brendan has impressed the team with his all
round approach to racing and will make a welcome addition to the team as it
seeks to retain its 2006 title of Men's Downhill Team of The Year.
Martin Whiteley, Team Director. "We are very excited about the 2007 season.
Firstly we have been very fortunate to be able to retain the services of both
Greg and Matti who make excellent team mates and have both had great success on
the Honda RN01 in recent years. We can now also announce that we have secured
one of the most exciting young riders on the world scene in Brendan. He and the
other two riders know each other very well and they are all good friends which
is important in building team spirit as we hunt our goals for 2007. It should be
a very exciting year ahead".
Matti and Brendan will make their first racing appearance for Team G Cross Honda
at the Maxxis Cup in Gouveia in Portugal on March 18. Greg will start his
downhill season a little later, in April, at the opening round of the British
National Points Series.
Other product suppliers confirmed at the time of the release include Sapim
spokes, SRAM, Truvativ, PowerBar and ODI.
USA Euro ‘Cross Camp IV assembles in Europe
Fresh off some excellent performances at US Cyclocross Nationals,
Euro ‘Cross Camp IV riders have begun assembling in Belgium to tackle the
busiest stretch of the European cyclocross season. The enduring vision of the
camp is to prepare the best US riders for the world championships in late
January and to offer key race experience to the younger riders.
Sixteen riders will attend this year’s camp based on their 2006 USGP and
Nationals performances. Elite National Champion Ryan Trebon (Kona), Barry Wicks
(Kona), Jeremy Powers (Jelly Belly), Erik Tonkin (Kona), and Troy Wells (TIAA-CREF)
compose the elite men’s group. USGP Espoir and US Collegiate National Champion
Jamey Driscoll (Fiordafrutta), Morgan Schmitt (Hagens-Berman), Dan Neyens (Hagens-Berman),
Bjorn Selander (Alan), Chance Noble (California Giant Strawberries), and Nick
Weighall (Alan) form the U-23’s. USGP and US National Junior Champion Danny
Summerhill (TIAA-CREF), Sean Worsech (Rad Racing), Jerome Townsend (Alan), Jim
Lennon (TIAA-CREF), and Steve Fisher (Rad Racing) complete the juniors.
Directed by National Cyclocross Team Coach Geoff Proctor, the group will take
on some 9 races in 12 days with different groups traveling each day to some of
the biggest races in international cyclocross.
Race program:
23 December Wachtebeke
26 December Hofstade WC
27 December Tourhout
28 December Loenhout GVA
29 December Middlekerke
31 December Diegem SP
1 January Baal GVA
2 January St Niklaas
3 January Surhuisterveen
“We have a super group this season with two national champion jerseys and a lot
of hungry guys ready to take their level up a notch,” said Proctor.
Sponsor News:
CSC - Alm.
Brand Extends Sponsorship Agreement
The close relations between Team CSC and the team's Danish co-sponsor
Alm. Brand will continue. The insurance, banking and pension group has chosen to
extend its sponsorship with the team till 2008.
”We are very pleased with the effect our sponsorship of Team CSC has had for
the last three years. We make regular inquiries with our clients regarding their
level of satisfaction with Alm. Brand and the response we have gotten regarding
the sponsorship is very positive – this year as well. The cycling sport has a
big place in the hearts of the Danish people. And we look forward to yet another
year with great results and experiences,” announces Henrik Nordam, Deputy Chief
Executive Officer at Alm Brand.
”It has been a turbulent year, but Bjarne Riis and the team have taken action
and shown great strength. It is imperative to Alm. Brand that Team CSC has
chosen to lead the way in the fight against doping, and that the team management
and riders have made a commitment to each other with the most extensive doping
control program in the world. Alm. Brand supports this fight against doping and
we would like to play a part in turning things around. And Team CSC's
groundbreaking program has been very important to the new sponsorship agreement
with Alm. Brand,” adds Henrik Nordam.
”I am very happy we have made a new sponsorship agreement with Alm. Brand. We
have had an excellent dialogue with them regarding the sponsorship and it means
a lot to us, that we have been able to deliver our product to their
satisfaction. Through the years we have developed strong relations with Alm.
Brand, and of course we want to develop and strengthen these even further,”
comments Bjarne Riis.
TeaM Spin12
New Canadian U-23 Elite Team Announces Roster
TeaM Spin12 will be one of Canada’s newest CCA Trade teams for the 2007 season.
TeaM Spin12 will be managed by Giroscopic Sports Mtg, the same organization that
is operating Team expresscopy.com, UCI Pro Women’s Team.
TeaM Spin12 is focused on U23 Men’s cycling, and will see all but one of its
riders under the age of twenty three.
A little bit more on Spin12. Spin12 is brought to you by spinALIVE, a group
of community individuals that are passionate about health and athleticism. This
unique and fun charity event is more than a 12 hour spin: it’s meant to inspire,
challenge and celebrate health and hope. Some participants will be riding in
honour of a family member who has battled heart disease, others will take this
opportunity to get in shape or reach a fitness goal. See details below.
The following riders will fly the new colors of TeaM Spin12 in 2007:
Keith Moore (CAN)(the only rider over 23)
Ian Manning (CAN)
Charlie Bryer (CAN)
Ryan Polawski (CAN)
Matt Robertson (CAN)(JR)
Jesse DeKrey (USA)
William Cromwell (USA)
Max Hoener (USA)
Cameron Holt (NZ)
Luke McCarthy (NZ)
This team has great depth with riders such as Luke who race on a French
Amateur team last year and fellow country man Cameron Holt, who is by the way
the bother of Meshy Holt. Keith Moore and Ian Manning both coming over from
JetFuel will add depth to this young but talented group.
The team’s schedule will start in Tucson AZ, on Feb.14th and will see most of
these riders in there first action at Valley of the Sun in Phoenix just a few
days after arriving. The team has confirmed that they will race Nature Valley GP
with its organizer and a complete race schedule will be posted soon.
The administration of the team has put in a tremendous amount of effort in a
short time to make this happen. Securing key product relationships in terms of
sponsorships for 2007 was done through GSM. With this we would like to extend a
gracious thank you for the continued support of all of GSM’s sponsors:
Title Sponsor: Spin12
Product Sponsors: Argon18 Bicycles, Kenda
Tires, Tri Flow Lubricates, Rudy Projects Helmets and Glasses, Champion System
Clothing, Easton Bike
We will be announcing the staff and a few more sponsors in the coming weeks.
Spin12
A 12 hour Spinning Fundraiser by spinALIVE
Ontario, Canada
Spin12 is brought to you by spinALIVE, a group of community individuals that
are passionate about health and athleticism. This unique and fun charity event
is more than a 12 hour spin: it’s meant to inspire, challenge and celebrate
health and hope. Some participants will be riding in honour of a family member
who has battled heart disease, others will take this opportunity to get in shape
or reach a fitness goal. Everyone will be riding with the desire to make a
difference in our community.
75 stationary spinning bikes will be available for sponsorship - bikes can be
sponsored for $400. Corporate, family and association teams are encouraged.
Teams should have a maximum of 12 people who will all collect a minimum of $200
in pledges each. Every team member will ride for a maximum of one hour
consecutively. Pledge money will be donated to St. Mary’s to purchase cardiac
equipment.
The event will last 12 hours in February, which also happens to be National
Heart Month.
Rebel Creek Golf Club
Saturday February 12th 2007
8:00 AM- 8:00 PM
Spinning instructors will be on hand to help out at the event, and will lead
each group through their 50-minute spin trek. Great music will motivate you!
Showers, food, water and massage will be available for participants and
volunteers. St. John’s Ambulance will be on site.
Incentive prizes and team shirts will be available. Register early!You can
download the sponsorship or pledge information
here.
For more information on this incredible event, how to sponsor or to become part
of a team, please phone
(519) 749-6539 or email kparker@smgh.ca
Amgen Tour of California
Win a Limited Edition ToCA Felt 75
Register now for your chance to win a Limited Edition Felt F75. The
contest will run through February 25, 2007. One entry per person. More
information and
entry
here.
This special limited edition Amgen Tour of California Felt F75 is a custom
bike no race fan or cycling enthusiast will want to miss out on.
Built around a Felt chassis featuring Felt exclusive 7005 Superlite
custom-butted aluminum frame with carbon fiber wishbone seatstays, externally
relieved integrated head tube, machined bottom bracket, forged dropouts with
replaceable hanger and internal brake cable routing, this one-of-a-kind also
sports a Felt 1.3 custom-designed high modulus carbon fiber fork with carbon
steering tube.
The component package includes Shimano Ultegra rear derailleur, Shimano 105
20-speed shifters and front derailleur, Shimano 2-pc crankset with 50/34T
chainrings, and Shimano chain/cassette combo. Wheels are Shimano 500 with aero
spokes and Vittoria Rubino slick tires. Other key parts include Felt 1.4
aluminum handlebar with ergonomic drop, Felt 1.2 3D-forged stem, custom limited
edition Amgen Tour California embroidered saddle with carbon injected resin
base, Felt 1.2 carbon seatpost, dual pivot aluminum brakeset with Koolstop
cartridge pads.
The special limited edition Amgen Tour of California Felt F75 is available
only through AEG for a limited time. Each bike includes a custom Amgen Tour of
California white and gold commemorative paint finish, as well as a custom
embroidered Amgen Tour of California seat. Each bike comes with an individually
numbered certificate of authenticity and corresponding numbered badge, easily
affixed to any of the bike’s three main tubes. The bike can also be purchased
for $1500.
AVAILABLE SIZES (cm, measured center to top)
50 / 52 / 54 / 56 / 58 / 60
COLOR: Special edition Amgen Tour of California white and gold.
WEIGHT:18.4 lbs.
The Kodak Gallery Pro Cycling Team, Presented by
Sierra Nevada Brewing Co
Team to Ride SRAM Equipped Kuota Bicycles
The Kodak Gallery Pro Cycling Team, Presented by Sierra Nevada
Brewing Co. today announced a new multi-year sponsor commitment from title
sponsor KodakGallery and presenting sponsor, Sierra Nevada Brewing Co. Team
co-owner, Robin Zellner commented, “We are very happy to have long term
commitments from such prestigious sponsors. This support reflects their
confidence in the team and commitment to pro cycling in the United States.”
The team also announced a new multi-year equipment sponsorship agreement that
will have the team riding a range of SRAM equipped, carbon monocoque frames by
Italian manufacturer Kuota.
Having cut its teeth and racked up major victories in the elite triathlon
ranks, Kuota looks to the Kodak Gallery Team to help establish the brand as
winner on the pro road circuit. “We are proud to be associated with such a
strong and well structured team and look forward to a winning season,” Patrice
Lemieux, CEO of Kuota North America, said.
Under the agreement, Kodak Gallery team members will field a range of carbon
frames including the KOM, Kredo, Kahn and the time trial frameset, Kalibur.
Kuota will also supply the team’s handlebars, stems and seat posts. Kuota frames
and components are manufactured using state-of-the-art carbon nanotube
technology which yields extraordinarily light weight products with exceptional
comfort and power transfer characteristics. The Kuota naked-carbon finished
frames will be accented with KodakGallery.com and Sierra Nevada Brewing Co.
colors.
SRAM will again be the component choice for the Kodak Gallery Pro Cycling
Team continuing a strong partnership that began even before the spring 2006
launch of SRAM’s Force road gruppo. Team co-owner and manager Kurt Stockton is
excited that his athletes will continue to ride the gruppo that “reshaped the
componentry landscape in 2006 by offering riders another viable option in road
drivetrain. We are thrilled to continue our close working relationship with
SRAM. In addition to being very light weight and ergonomic, the Force components
more than proved their reliability last season.” Returning team rider, Pete
Lopinto added, “when the racing heats up, you simply cannot afford to mis-shift
the bike - with SRAM’s ultra-fast, positive shifting actuation, we have a
definite edge over the competition.”
New eyewear and helmet sponsors were also announced by the team. Riders will
be outfitted with polarized, Velocity glasses by HaberVision of Golden,
Colorado. Helmets will be supplied by Bell Helmets. A complete list of team
sponsors and the equipment they provide follows:
The Kodak Gallery Pro Cycling Team, Presented by Sierra Nevada proudly
presents 2007 Equipment Sponsor Roster:
Kuota – www.kuota.it – the team races on Kuota carbon frames, stems, seat posts
and bars
SRAM – www.SRAM.com – team bikes outfitted with SRAM Force and / or Rival
components
Mavic – www.mavic.com – Mavic supplies the team with a full range of training
and race wheels, including the Ksyrium, Cosmic Carbone, and Comete Road
Giordana – www.giordana.com – all team technical clothing provided by Giordana
Michelin – www.michelin.com – the team races on Pro2Race tires
HaberVision – http://habervision.com/coderesult.aspx?code=KODAK – polarized and
prescription lenses in Velocity frames
Adidas – www.adidas.com/cycling - adiStar Ultra shoes, shoe covers and casual
apparel
Bell – www.bellbikehelmets.com – official helmet supplier
Fi:zi’k – www.fizik.com – the team rides exclusively on Fi:zi’k saddles
Time – www.timesportusa.com – Time RXS pedals are fitted to all team bikes
CatEye – www.cateye.com – CatEye supplies custom-colored cycle computers for all
team bikes
Kinetic – www.kurtkinetic.com – a range of Kinetic trainers keeps the team
rolling in foul weather
ProGold – www.progoldmfr.com – all team chains and cables operate at maximum
efficiency and cleanliness with advanced technology ProGold lubricants and
cleaners
Park Tool – www.parktool.com – team mechanics maintain all equipment with Park
Tools
Thule – www.thule.com – roof racks and trays supplied for team vehicles by Thule
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