Oakland, CA - Every professional cyclist knows that to achieve success, you need to develop a strong core. The same goes for a successful professional cycling team. For 2008, the Health Net Pro Cycling Team Presented by Maxxis, winner of four consecutive NRC team titles, returns one of the strongest cores in North America.

“The guys we’ve re-signed for ‘08 were instrumental to the success of the team in 2007,” states Team Directeur Sportif Mike Tamayo. “Building the squad around these guys will ensure the team is just as strong next season.”

Anchoring the returning group is individual NRC title winner Rory Sutherland. In his first season racing in North America, the 25-year-old from Canberra, Australia showed consistency throughout the season, wracking up numerous wins and podiums, including two stage wins at the Redlands Classic and a stage and overall title at the Joe Martin Stage Race.

Photo copyright Thien Dinh

“Rory started out the season strong and just got better as the season progressed,” Tamayo said. Sutherland also proved to be a valuable teammate, turning into one of the primary lead-out men for another returning rider, Tasmanian Karl “Ten” Menzies.

Menzies had another strong season, finishing fourth in the individual NRC standings, despite missing part of the season to attend to family business. Menzies won three stages and the overall title of the International Tour de ‘Toona in July. His other major NRC wins included two stage wins at the Joe Martin Stage Race, as well as the MERCO Foothills Road Race. He also showed himself in the international arena, winning the opening stage of the prestigious Jacob’s Creek Tour Down Under and holding the race leader’s jersey for three days. He went on to finish second overall.

Photo copyright Thien Dinh

“Karl is simply one of the strongest riders out there,” Tamayo said. “He can get over climbs that you might not expect someone his size to be able to do. And then he can smack you in the sprint to the line. There’s no question he’ll contend for podiums all next season.”

The Team also will return veteran strong-man Frank Pipp, who continues to demonstrate that he’s one of the country’s top-tier riders. Pipp took one of his biggest wins in Charlotte, N.C., at the Presbyterian Healthcare Invitational. He also won the notoriously difficult sixth stage of the Nature Valley Grand Prix, as well as finished third at the challenging Lancaster Invitational during Philly Week. He improved steadily all season to finish 13th in the NRC competition.

“Frank was our go-to guy on a number of occasions and delivered for us,” Tamayo notes. “He’s also been a key component of our lead-out train, and a good tactical strategist. We know we can rely on Frank to be a consummate teammate.”

For 2008, the Team will once again be led by team captain and super-domestique Tim Johnson. Johnson’s contributions to the team often go unnoticed by the general population, but his work ethic and knowledge of racing make him an invaluable member of the team.

“Tim sacrifices himself for teammates at every race he rides,” Tamayo said. “His selflessness and experience give us a team leader that we can all rely upon, myself included.”

The Team also returns two young veterans of the squad, sprinter and criterium specialist Kyle Gritters and all-arounder and super-domestique Roman Kilun. Gritters missed the second half of the 2007 season after being hit by an SUV during a training ride on the eve of the Philadelphia Cycling Championship. He has returned to health and will be even more motivated to generate results in ‘08, again targeting the National Criterium Championship. Kilun showed his value in helping the team to a number of stage race overall wins, including the Mt. Hood Cycling Classic.

The two youngest members of the ‘07 squad, John Murphy and Matt Crane, also will be back for more in 2008. Despite being looked upon as developmental riders in 2007, both have contributed solid results, as well as the hard work necessary to earn wins for the team.

Menzies was particularly impressed with the young duo’s work in preserving his overall win at Altoona. “Those guys stepped up more than anyone,” he said. “They’re just kids, but they rode like bloody superstars. They were super impressive.”

Both riders have posted some solid results, as well, with Murphy earning his first NRC win by taking the Stage 4 individual time trial at the Tri Peaks Challenge in May. The two are expected to continue their development under the tutelage of their more experienced teammates.

New Faces for ‘08

In addition to the eight returning riders, Health Net Presented by Maxxis is adding three new riders to the ‘08 roster, headlined by former Navigator Phil Zajicek. Over the past few years, Zajicek has been one of the most consistent stage racers in North America. In 2007, he finally broke through with a long sought-after overall win at the Cascade Classic, as well as achieving podium finishes at Mt. Hood and Redlands. In 2004, he won the difficult Tour of Qinghai Lake in China.

“I’m excited to have Phil on board for ‘08,” said team captain Tim Johnson. “He’s great in the time trials, he’s a strong all-arounder and races aggressively. He gives us another card to play in stage races, and he’ll fit in well on the team. We’re all friends off the bike as well.”

Zajicek is joined by Navigators teammate Matt Cooke. In his first year as a pro in 2007, Cooke achieved good results, but was better known for shepherding teammates, including Zajicek, in the hillier portions of stage races. He helped Zajicek to podium finishes at Redlands and the San Dimas Stage Race, while also scoring top 10s in stages of both races.

Completing the 2008 roster is neo pro Corey Collier, who rode for the elite Einstein’s Bagels squad in ‘07. The 25-year-old Coloradoan is another strong all-arounder, with good abilities in the mountains.

“Corey is someone we had our eye on most of the 2007 season,” Tamayo said. “He put up some impressive results, and always seemed to be in the mix in tough races.” Those results included finishing 8th overall at the Joe Martin Stage race, just 0:21 behind race winner and new teammate Sutherland. He also scored a pair of top-ten stage finishes at the Cascade Classic, and won the top amateur classification at the Nature Valley Grand Prix en route to 12th overall.

The Health Net Pro Cycling Team Presented by Maxxis will convene for the first time at training camp in late January, in preparation for the first major goal of the season, the Amgen Tour of California.

Health Net Presented by Maxxis riders returning for 2008:

Matt Crane, USA
Kyle Gritters, USA
Tim Johnson, USA
Roman Kilun, USA
Karl Menzies, TAS
John Murphy, USA
Frank Pipp, USA
Rory Sutherland, AUS
Health Net Presented by Maxxis new riders for 2008:

Corey, Collier, USA
Matt Cooke, USA
Phil Zajicek, USA

Source: Health Net Presented by Maxxis
Photos added by Thien Dinh

Los Altos, California (Nov 28, 2007)–Team TIBCO professional women’s cycling team continues to add firepower to its roster as it gears up for the 2008 season. New recruits Amber Rais, Helen Kelly, Lauren Franges, Rachel Heal, Rushlee Buchanan, and Sarah Caravella comprise the latest additions to the elite pro racing team. The “six-pack” will link up with TIBCO racers Victoria Bastide and Brooke Miller. These additions underline the team’s stated goal of creating a world class roster to compete at the sport’s major races.

Amber Rais is an excellent time trialist and all-around cyclist. “Amber has had top GC finishes in NRC racing. Her strength is an added bonus to the depth of our roster,” said the team’s Director Sportif, Linda Jackson. Rais is happy about the match: “I am very excited to be a part of Team TIBCO and the growth and vision of Linda’s program. The racers and staff are class acts, and I’m looking forward to a great season with them.” “Rachel Heal and Helen Kelly – top, world-class cyclists and former teammates of Amber’s – will also race for us next season,” said Jackson. “The three have proven they work well together and will take on even more responsibilities this coming year.”

Also joining the team is the remarkable young talent, Rushlee Buchanan. The 19 year old New Zealander shocked the NRC field at Nature Valley with a surprise “off the front” attack. Rounding out the TIBCO sprint arsenal are Lauren Franges and Sarah Caravella. A top national racer, Franges also brings to the team a wealth of international racing experience, while Caravella’s speed and savvy make her a major asset to team objectives. Caravella and Franges join TIBCO powerhouse sprinter Brooke Miller to pose a formidable finishing threat in the peloton. Miller, whose accolades include top international and European finishes in addition to a string of national victories, said “I am thrilled for the upcoming season! It has been very exciting to be a part of growing this team and our roster for next season is our strongest yet.”

Victoria “Pocket-Rocket” Bastide returns this year as well, continuing a skyward
trajectory true to her nickname: “The past two seasons with the team have been great, and I have grown tremendously as a rider working with Linda. I am very excited to again be part of Team TIBCO and looking forward to the coming season with the new added power to the team.”

Team TIBCO is also pleased to announce Liza Rachetto’s transition from world class
cyclist to Assistant Director Sportif. Liza will be directing Team TIBCO’s six-member Development Team. “The addition of Rachetto underscores our commitment to providing emerging cyclists with the opportunity and environment to develop into top national/international cyclists” said Jackson. The Development team roster consists of Alison Rosenthal, Ashley Fouts, Caitlyn McCullough, Jerika Hutchinson, Kelly Crowley and Stacy Sims. Hutchinson is the reigning Junior National Time Trial Champion and a bronze-medalist in the 2007 Junior World Championship Time Trial. Crowley is the current World Champion in the Paralympics Individual Time Trial, and has her eyes set on Gold at the 2008 Beijing Paralympics. The Development Team members will compete locally in Northern California and also compete at selected NRC races with the elite squad. The team’s complete 2008 racing calendar will be available at www.teamTIBCO.com.

Director Sportif Linda Jackson directing Team Tibco at the Las Vegas World Criterium Championship

Title sponsored by TIBCO Software Inc., the team is also sponsored by several
prominent corporations in Silicon Valley including SVB Financial Group, Black Wolf
Partners, Fenwick & West LLP, Goldman Sachs & Co., Greenberg Traurig LLP, Jazz
Pharmaceuticals, Monitor Ventures, Spectrum Orthopedic Sport Therapy, and Silicon Valley Cycling Foundation (SVCF). SVCF is a non-profit corporation established to foster the development of national and international amateur cycling.

Title Sponsor: TIBCO Software Inc. www.TIBCO.com
TIBCO Software Inc. (NASDAQ:TIBX) provides enterprise software that helps
companies achieve service-oriented architecture (SOA) and business process
management (BPM) success. With over 3,000 customers, TIBCO has given leading
organizations around the world better awareness and agility— what TIBCO calls The Power of Now ®. To learn more, contact TIBCO at +1 650-846-1000.

Corporate Sponsors:
SVB Financial Group: www.svb.com
Blackwolf Partners: www.blackwolfpartners.com
Fenwick & West LLP: www.fenwick.com
Goldman Sachs & Co.: www.gs.com
Greenberg Traurig LLP: www.gtlaw.com
Jazz Pharmaceuticals: www.jazzpharma.com
Monitor Ventures: www.monitorventures.com

Industry Sponsors:
2XU: www.2xu.com
Clif Bar: www.clifbar.com
Crumpler: www.crumplerbags.com
Fitness 101: www.fitness101.com
HED: www.hedcycling.com
Hibros Sport: www.albabici.com/hibros
Kinetic by Kurt: www.kurtkinetic.com
LOOK Bicycles: www.lookcycle-usa.com
Nalini: www.nalini.com
Palo Alto Bicycles: www.paloaltobicycles.com
Physically Focused: www.physicallyfocused.biz
Revolutions in Fitness: www.revolutionsinfitness.com
Ritchey Logic: www.ritcheylogic.com
Rudy Project: www.rudyprojectusa.com
SRAM Components: www.sram.com
San Marco: www.sellesanmarco.com
Schwalbe North America: www.schwalbetires.com
SciCon: www.scicon.it
Spectrum Orthopedic Sport Therapy: www.spectrumpt.net
Squadra: www.squadra.us
Yokozuna: www.yokozunausa.com
For more information regarding the team, please visit www.teamTIBCO.com

Source: Patty Phillips
Photos added by Thien Dinh

NAHBS 2008 Indicates Increasing Activity and Interest In Handmade Market

SPEEDWAY, Indiana – The North American Handmade Bicycle Show (NAHBS), scheduled for February 8-10, 2008 in Portland, Oregon, is not only the world’s largest trade/consumer show for custom-built bicycles, but now it is setting new records for exhibitor participation, and is attracting the finest names from the great tradition of Italian frame builders. In response to the strong interest, NAHBS is producing two 2008 commemorative calendars: one exclusively for track bikes and single speeds, the other for general bicycles.

“I’m really excited about the show this year,” says NAHBS show director Don Walker. “Last year we had 103 exhibitors, we’re already at 113 and registration remains open until December 15, so we still have two weeks to go.”

A notable increase in interest comes from Italy. In 2007 three Italian names were represented at the show. This year, Columbus is back, Passoni, Dedaccai, Zullo Tiziano will exhibit, and quite possibly Pegoretti will return for a second year. “For us, this is an important step up. Ultimately we would like this to be seen as an international show, and given the size of the US market, I have faith that this will happen. I understand that the De Rosa family is sending a representative to assess the feasibility of exhibiting in 2009,” said Walker.

“A lot of people don’t know this, but many of the great Italian names now outsource their frame building to East Asia, and therefore would not be eligible to exhibit at NAHBS. All the frame builders at our show build in-house. These are the people who actually make your bike, and that’s the whole point of the show: Would-be purchasers can walk around the booths see which styles and materials they like, they can talk directly to the builder, see which builders suit them best, and start a relationship that often lasts for decades,” explained Don Walker.

With so much interest in a show that many Americans are unable to attend for geographic reasons, commemorative calendars are available that showcase some of the most alluring pictures of the beautiful bicycles on display at the NAHBS show. “We have a track bike calendar, since recently there has been such a strong interest in this most pure of bicycles, and then we have a general calendar that presents the enormous range of designs and materials on display at the show. Yup, there’s some carbon fiber in both calendars,” says Walker. Retailers may contact Don Walker with enquiries, and individuals may visit www.handmadebicycleshow.com to purchase their online copies, competitively priced at $14.95.

About The North American Handmade Bicycle Show, and list of exhibitors.
The North American Handmade Bicycle Show held in 2008 at the Oregon Convention Center, Portland, February 8-10, 2008, is dedicated to showcasing the talents of individuals around the world whose art form is the bicycle. It aims to be a gathering point – online and in person – for frame builders and consumers looking for custom-made bikes, for the sharing of ideas and promotion of this special industry which has such a rich history. After three years of growing by leaps and bounds, NAHBS 2008 will feature still more exhibitors, consumers and a wealth of seminars. For more information, see http://www.handmadebicycleshow.com.

All Proceeds to Benefit Velokhaya Cycling Program

This could be a dream holiday for your favorite cycling fan or even you. Beginning November 26, 2007 at 8:45 a.m. Pacific, for 10 days you can bid on three ultra-exclusive, one-of-a-kind Team CSC cycling gifts on eBay.

All proceeds from this auction will benefit Velokhaya, the fundraising initiative of South Africa’s Life Cycling Academy. Team CSC, Cervélo and Computer Sciences Corporation (NYSE: CSC) are the international partners of Velokhaya dedicated to helping achieve its vision of “Growth Through Cycling.” Velokhaya will use the proceeds to purchase bicycles and build a much-needed cycling center in the heart of South Africa.

The following items are being auctioned. Click on each item to go to eBay and place a bid:

Carlos Sastre’s Cervélo R3 and Signed Jersey – The actual bike Carlos Sastre used to power his stunning performances in the 2007 Tour de France and the Vuelta a España as well as a 2007 Team CSC jersey signed by Carlos. The Bike has a carbon R3 frame, and is equipped with Shimano Dura-ace, FSA crank handlebars and stem, ZIPP carbon 404 tubular wheels, Speedplay pedals, and a Selle Italia saddle. Retail price US$5,000

A trip for Two to Team CSC’s California Training Camp – You and a guest are invited to join Team CSC for two days and three nights at their California training camp in February 2008. You’ll be treated like a Team CSC rider, and have a chance to ride with the team during training sessions, enjoy meals and socialize during the team’s final full-team training camp prior to the start of the 2008 season. Transportation to and from the airport, all meals and lodging, and a full Team CSC kit for you and your guest are included in the package.

Team CSC Jersey Signed by the Full Team – The 2007 Team CSC squad topped the Pro Tour rankings for the third year in a row. This rare jersey is signed by all 27 members of the Team.

All buyers will receive certificates of authenticity from a representative of Team CSC.

About Velokhaya and the Life Cycling Academy
Velokhaya is the campaign for awareness and fundraising of the Life Cycling Academy (LCA), South Africa’s leading cycling transformation organization. The LCA has pioneered the development of cycling as a recreational and competitive sport in previously disadvantaged communities and focuses on creating opportunities that will help its members grow as athletes and individuals. The organization currently has more than 300 registered participants, 30 bikes and no permanent base for its activities. All funds raised by Velokhaya will be used to purchase bicycles and build a much-needed Cycling Center in the heart of Khayelitsha, South Africa.

For more information on how you can support the Velokhaya campaign, visit www.velokhaya.com.

Source: CSC

High Road Sports, Inc is pleased to announce that its Elite Men´s and Women´s cycling teams will continue racing in 2008 after T-Mobile has ended its engagement. The teams will now be known as “Team High Road”.

High Road Sports, Inc. holds a ProTour Team License and will seek authorization of the change in the team’s identity and operations from the governing body, the UCI. High Road and its subsidiaries own the infrastructure of both teams.

“T-Mobile’s decision to end its involvement in professional cycling is a challenge for the sport and our team. We will review and adapt our operations, and continue to advance our leadership position in athletic success and commitment to clean and fair sport that began during our work with T-Mobile” says Bob Stapleton of High Road.

2007 was a very successful year for both teams, with the men’s ProTourTeam taking 37 victories for the season and the women ending the season as the number one ranked team in the World by the UCI.

“We have an outstanding international roster of exciting young talent backed by proven veteran leadership for 2008” adds Stapleton. “We will likely be the youngest team in the ProTour and believe that together, these athletes can shape the future of the sport with their talent and commitment.”

High Road Sports will use the next few weeks in intensive preparation for the 2008 racing season. “We have good options, but plenty of work to do to begin racing in less than 60 days” notes Stapleton. The team is focused on beginning its 2008 campaign with the first Race, the Tour Down Under in Australia in January.

Source: High Road Sports

Deutsche Telekom AG has elected to end sponsorship of professional cycling with immediate effect. This decision was taken by the Board of Management of the Bonn-based telecommunications group, which had been a sponsor of professional cycling since 1991. Sponsorship of both the men’s and women’s teams is ended with this action.

“We arrived at this decision to separate our brand from further exposure from doping in sport and cycling specifically. This was a difficult decision given our long history of support for professional cycling and the efforts of Bob Stapleton in managing the team in 2007″, said Deutsche Telekom Board member and CEO of T-Mobile International Hamid Akhavan. “We have an obligation to our employees, customers and shareholders to focus our attention and resources on our core businesses”, added Akhavan.

“We have worked very hard with the current team management to promote a clean cycling sport but we reached the decision to continue our efforts to rid all sports of doping by applying our resources in other directions. Deutsche Telekom AG wants to make it clear that this action is not based on any disagreement with or misconduct by team management”, Akhavan emphasized.

Nothing has changed in Deutsche Telekom’s belief that sponsoring activities also entail taking responsibility. “We will continue to fulfil our obligations to the fight against doping, to which we contribute a significant amount of resources”, declared Akhavan.

Bob Stapleton added, “We hope to go forward independently with the team to achieve our goals of continued competitive success and being a leader in anti-doping efforts in professional cycling.”

Over the past few days the Group has been negotiating with Neuer Straßen Sport, the operator of the T-Mobile Team, for the termination of the contract that was set to run until December 31, 2010. Both parties have agreed to keep the details confidential.

Johan Bruyneel’s newly re-formed team rides SRAM’s new road group

In what might be the biggest ‘leap’ in cycling for 2008, the newly reformed team Astana, now lead by current Tour de France winner Alberto Contador (ESP), American Champion Levi Leipheimer, and Team Director and 8x Tour de France mastermind Johan Bruyneel, will be powered by SRAM road componentry.Team Astana will be exclusively riding and racing the World’s lightest 1928 gram SRAM RED road gruppo, just introduced this past September at Eurobike.

While RED was launched as the most ergonomically refi ned and technologically advanced road group in the world, with numerous efficiencies and features, it was the weight story that caught Bruyneel’s attention.

“SRAM has proven itself at the highest levels of cycling, but having the lightest gruppo in the World with RED, along with all the function and features, is a real advantage. They are making serious impressions in the road market and we would not consider partnering with them if it wouldn’t benefi t this team (Astana) and put us in a position to win.” Astana General Manager Johan Bruyneel.

SRAM’s Global Marketing Director, David Zimberoff, traveled to Astana’s Team headquarters in early November to fi nalize the three year agreement. “Johan’s proven leadership and legacy of success was the perfect opportunity for us to demonstrate the pure advantages of our road drivetrain and, most specifi cally, RED. Prior to the agreement we had Alberto Contador and Levi Leipheimer testride RED groupsets and they gave enthusiastic thumbs up. That is the type of verification that excites us at SRAM and we are truly looking forward to 2008,” stated David Zimberoff.

Source : Michael Zellmann

Ride Report by Argentius - originally posted here

Do you know how many pictures I can get on a pair of AA batteries when it’s 34 degrees out? I found out that it’s about 25. That’s okay, because the distance views I was hoping to get were just mist, anyhow.

But we’ve got a new trail, or, at least, part of one. It’s not officially open yet, but it’ll be the “Milton Interurban Trail.” I posted some pics from the (as yet) still unpaved section farther north back this summer.

You’d never know how close to the freeway this is.

Tacoma’s Stadium District had a few shots, at least. Stadium High got famous in a movie when I was in high school, I guess. It’s a pretty impressive building, especially for a public high school. Word was, it was going to be a fancy hotel in the 19th century, but the original builders ran out of cash and sold it to the city…

If you like cobbles, you’ll like a lot of Old Town Tacoma. They pave over some of these, fix others, and just plain leave some. For a long, long time. Here’s “court C,” just past stadium:

Ever find yourself out on the road with a flat and have no idea what to do? Well check out this excellent video by Mach3Multisport on what to do should you find yourself in such a predicament!

Ashland, OR - United Bicycle Parts (”UBP”) is very pleased to announce it has expanded its product offerings to include two new high profile lines, Pro-Lite and On One.

Pro-Lite is perhaps best known for their proprietary branded top quality road, track and Tri/TT wheels. Their name is derived from their philosophy of producing an elite range of premium quality Professional Liteweight bicycle products utilizing only the very latest available technologies and materials. Whether considering the full carbon fiber disc Padova, or deep dish carbon fiber models like Vicenza and Gavia T, Pro-Lite products are known to be among the world’s finest. UBP now carries eight models of Pro-Lite wheels whose MSRP ranges from $249.00 to $1595.00.

UK-based On One is considered to be one of the more progressive cycling brands whose products include a full range of post-modern frames, bicycles and components. Items like their cromoly track/fixie frame Pompino, and the 26″ wheel or 29″ wheel cromoly model, Slot Inbred speak to On One fans everywhere. UBP now carries a wide assortment of On One frames and bikes with retail prices ranging from $399.00 to $1299.00. Also available are a full line of On One parts and components such as the retro-cool Midge and Mungo handlebars.

Bicycle shops interested in knowing more about Pro-Lite or On One can contact UBP through www.unitedbicycle.com