Tour of California - Colavita Squad Announced.
Fresh from a strong showing a the the Tour de San Luis the squad in Italian colors lines up for the Golden State tour.

Director Sportif Sebastian Alexandre announced tha the Colavita/Sutter Home Men’s Cycling Team presented by Cooking Light, the number two team in the USA National Race Calendar, has been invited to join the top cycling teams in the world to race the 2009 Amgen Tour of California.

“We are thrilled to join the best of the best at the Amgen Tour of California,” said Alexandre. “Our squad is honored to line up with world-renowned cyclists like Lance Armstrong and defending race champion Levi Leipheimer.”

Colavita/Sutter Home opened the 2009 season with a strong showing at the Tour of San Luis, the largest stage race in Argentina (UCI 2.1). Sprinter Sebastian Haedo captured a stage victory early in the seven-day race and won the overall sprint competition. Cuban powerhouse Luis Amaran raced to victory in the stage six circuit race and finished 6th in the general classification, one second behind 2006 Giro d’Italia winner Ivan Basso (Liquigas).

Amaran and Haedo will represent Colavita/Sutter Home at the 2009 Amgen Tour of California. The squasd includes Alejandro Borrajo, who represented his native Argentina at the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing, and climbing specialist Anthony Colby, ranked #4 in the NRC.

Colavita/Sutter Home's Tour of California Squad:
· Luis Amaran (CUB)
· Alejandro Borrajo (ARG)
· Anibal Borrajo (ARG)
· Anthony Colby (USA)
· Davide Frattini (ITA)
· Sebastian Haedo (ARG)
· Aaron Olson (USA)
· Tyler Wren (USA)

For the 2009 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

Colavitat/Sutter Home weapon of choice, the Jamis carbon Xenith SL
in natural carbon finish.

The bikes are fully equipped with Shimano components, wheels, shoes, and pedals, Ritchey handlebars, stems, and seat posts, Selle San Marco saddles, Vittoria tires, and Profile Design Aero bars and levers for time trial bikes. Team jerseys and all technical apparel 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 Fila, GU Sports, Headsweats, Skin Care for Athletes, TetraPak, Thule, and Zoot Sports.

The 2009 Amgen Tour of California begins February 14 and continues through February 22. The nine-stage race covers 750 miles, from the state capital in Sacramento to Escondido in San Diego County. Information about the race is available at www.amgentourofcalifornia.com. Daily broadcast coverage will be provided by the VERSUS network, with live coverage of the middle stages for the first time. Check www.Versus.com for local channels and the complete broadcast schedule.

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About the sponsors of the Colavita/Sutter Home Cycling Teams presented by Cooking Light
The Colavita/Sutter Home Cycling Teams presented by Cooking Light are racing stronger than ever. In 2008, the men’s and women’s teams accumulated more than 50 individual and team victories across all forms of road racing. As one of the few programs that supports both a men’s and women’s team at the highest levels of US cycling, Colavita/Sutter Home is committed to investing in promising young athletes. Colavita/Sutter Home sponsors the Colavita New Jersey U19 Racing Team, the largest junior program on the East Coast, and the Colavita U23 Racing Team.

In addition, Colavita/Sutter Home champions cycling at the local level through support of 10 elite clubs which include more than 350 recreational cyclists in nearly 20 states throughout the US. Bookmark www.ColavitaSutterHome.com  for news and information about the pro, regional, and junior teams.

Colavita USA imports and distributes the #1 brand of Italian extra virgin olive oil in the US 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. Through its charitable arm, the Colavita Foundation for Children, the company provides bicycles and helmets to children in need. Visit www.Colavita.com to learn more about Colavita USA.

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 () 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. www.cookinglight.com/cooking