Colavita/Sutter Home Women’s Cycling Team 2008
The "well oiled" team in the colors of Italy returns with a new D.S., Jack Seehafer - new Jamis Bikes and a strong squad to shine in 2008. Spring Camp in Yosemite.

Jack Seehafer Photo c. Jack Seehafer
Colorado resident Jack Seehafer has been named Director Sportif of the Colavita/Sutter Home Women’s Cycling Team presented by Cooking Light for the 2008 season. John A. Profaci, Vice President of co-title sponsor Colavita USA, made the announcement.

Seehafer, who has over 15 years experience in road and BMX racing, most recently led Team Einstein’s Cycling development program. “We’re pleased to welcome this latest addition to the Colavita/Sutter Home family,” said Profaci. “Jack came highly recommended to us from within cycling where he’s recognized for building team environments that encourage athletes to achieve their personal bests.”

“I’m thrilled to join the Colavita/Sutter Home squad,” said Seehafer. “I’ve been cheering for five-time U.S. National Champion Tina Pic ever since she and my wife (Kori Kelly Seehafer) raced together for Genesis Scuba. I look forward to working with Tina as she aims for her 6th national championship title. With the powerhouse trio of returning cyclists Dotsie Bausch, Alison Powers, and Iona Wynter-Parks and the new talent that we’ve signed, I expect this will be the best season ever for the Colavita/Sutter Home Women’s Cycling Team.”

Tina Pic in action at the Criterium Nationals 2007.
Photo © Kurt Jambretz/Action Images

Joint Training Camp Scheduled for March 3-7 at Yosemite National Park
Seehafer’s first initiative as Director Sportif has been developing a joint training program for the Colavita/Sutter Home Men’s and Women’s Cycling Teams. The athletes will gather at Yosemite National Park from March 3-7 for four days of intense training, team-building workshops, and orientation to the new state-of-the-art equipment they will be using throughout the season.

Kori Seehafer in yellow - Tour de Toona 2007

“We are very excited about training at Yosemite,” said Seehafer. “In addition to the breathtaking scenery and retreat atmosphere, the geography of Yosemite will give both our climbers and our sprinters plenty of opportunities to challenge their skills.” Plus, Seehafer continues, “Yosemite is close to the races in California where the U.S. season traditionally gets underway.”

At Yosemite, the Colavita/Sutter Home squads will have the opportunity to train with the new Jamis Xenith SL road bikes, supplied by bike sponsor Jamis Bicycles of Northvale, NJ. “We’ve re-engineered the Xenith SL for the 2008 season to reduce frame weight by as much as 10%”, said Jamis CEO and President Carine Joannou. “The Colavita/Sutter Home cyclists will also be the first pros to race with our innovative Xenith T2 time trial bikes, which feature a revolutionary fork design to shield and shroud the front brake caliper for maximum speed.”

Alison Powers brings experience gained racing in Europe with the USA National team. Here on the final climb of the Mur de Huy at the 2007 Women's Flèche Wallonne where on a very tough day that saw most of field abandon finishing in 49th place. Photo © Bart Hazen

Yosemite National Park is located about 150 miles east of San Francisco in the heart of the Sierra Nevada Mountains. One of the first wilderness parks in the U.S., Yosemite spans nearly 1,700 miles and close to 750,000 acres. Elevations range from 4,000 feet in the dramatic valley floor feet to roughly 10,000 feet, making Yosemite the ideal location for the Colavita/Sutter Home athletes to train for victory at the major stage races on the 2008 racing calendar.

Tina Celebrates winning the National Criterium Championships
Photo © Kurt Jambretz/Action Images

Colavita/Sutter Home Women’s Cycling Team presented by Cooking Light roster for 2008 includes:

2008 Roster
Dotsie Bausch (USA)
Tiffany Cromwell (Australia)
Andrea Dvorak (USA)
Shontell Gauthier (USA)
Kori Seehafer (USA)
Kristin McGrath (USA)
Tina Pic (USA)
Alison Powers (USA)
Nichole Wangsgard (USA)
Mackenzie Woodring (USA)
Iona Wynter-Parks (Jamaica)

Colavita/Sutter Home 2008 kit

Colavita/Sutter Home's new ride for 2008 - Jamis Xenith T2 More info below.

About the sponsors:
Colavita/Sutter Home Cycling Teams p/by Cooking Light
Colavita USA imports and distributes the #1 brand of Italian extra-virgin olive oil in the U.S. as well as durum wheat semolina pasta, a full selection of balsamic and wine vinegars, and many other fine Italian products. A family-owned business headquartered in Linden, NJ, Colavita has championed the sport of cycling throughout its 25+-year history. The company supports the Colavita New Jersey U19 Racing Team, the largest junior cycling team on the East Coast, as well as recreational cycling clubs in 9 states, including California, Colorado, Georgia, Illinois, New Jersey, New Mexico, South Carolina, and Texas. Through its charitable arm, the Colavita Foundation for Children, the company provides bicycles and helmets to children in need. To learn more about Colavita USA, please visit www.Colavita.com.

Sutter Home Winery is wholly owned and operated by the Trinchero family, Napa Valley vintners since 1948. The company produces the wines of Sutter Home, Trinchero, Montevina, Wild Bunch, Trinity Oaks, Folie à Deux, Ménage à Trois, Napa Cellars, the number one alcohol-removed wine, Fre, and imports Angove’s, Reynolds Vineyards and Little Boomey wines of Australia. For more information, visit www.tfewines.com.

 Founded in 1987, Cooking Light - www.cookinglight.com is the world’s largest food magazine. Each month, more than 11 million consumers turn to Cooking Light to “eat smart, be fit and live well.” CookingLight.com provides daily food and fitness updates, healthy recipes and nutrition advice to millions of unique visitors every year.

Jamis Bikes for the 2008 Season
The Colavita/Sutter Home Cycling Teams presented by Cooking Light will be riding Jamis super-light Xenith SL road frames and the revolutionary Xenith T2 time trial bikes supplied by Jamis Bicycles, designed and marketed by the G. Joannou Cycle Company (GJC) of Northvale, NJ. Established in 1937 by the father of CEO and President Carine Joannou, GJC ranks among the largest bicycle companies under private ownership in the US. For more information about Jamis and to view the complete line of bicycles, please visit www.JamisBikes.com. 

Equipment Sponsors:
The bikes are fully equipped with Shimano components, wheels, shoes, and pedals, Easton handlebars, stems, and seat posts, Fizik saddles, Vittoria tires, and TRP Brake levers for time trial bikes. Team jerseys are provided by Giordana; helmets, glasses, and bags are supplied by Rudy Project. Additional sponsors of the Colavita/Sutter Home Cycling Teams presented by Cooking Light include American Suzuki Motor Corporation and Thule Racks.

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