Los Altos, CA – With global temperatures on the rise, the cycling industry is responding to the need for accountability and action through a growing network of environmentally minded programs. Team TIBCO Women’s Cycling Team joins this effort in launching a four part environmental initiative to reduce the team’s ecological footprint.

The Team TIBCO Blue Planet Campaign targets four areas for action: reducing the team’s carbon emissions by more than 80% in 2008; supporting community emissions reductions in California’s greater Bay Area where the team is based; increasing health and environmental awareness; and reducing equipment waste through recycling and reuse.

Part of Team TIBCO’s mission is to make a positive impact on community health, and their approach recognizes the close relationship between health of the community and health of local ecosystems.
“We want to see people benefit from good health, by being active and getting outside to enjoy local environments. We can all make positive changes in our communities, and those steps translate to broader benefits in terms of global climate. It’s all connected and of vital importance,” says TIBCO racer Amber Rais.

In addition to actively reducing emissions in team operations, the team will offset carbon emissions from travel throughout the season. Assistant Director Liza Rachetto explains: “Reducing emissions is a priority as we’re planning team travel, but there is only so much we can realistically cut back. From there, we’ll purchase carbon credits in an effort to minimize our impact during the season.”
To reduce climate impact, TIBCO racers and staff will donate prize money to offset the team’s CO2 emissions during the season.

TIBCO racer Brooke Miller hopes the team’s example will motivate others: “Global warming is the most important environmental challenge we face, yet people often feel powerless to act. I am thrilled we are doing our part to help protect our planet. It is my hope that the biggest impact of this program will be in its contagious effects on others.”

With a focus on community and an eye toward broader issues like climate change, Team TIBCO will work with Bay Area based organizations to help increase health and environmental awareness through education, outreach and example. With numerous, diverse ecosystems, the Bay Area offers a unique array of outdoor fitness and recreation opportunities.

“We feel cycling and our community’s ecosystems need to have a symbiotic relationship, where we can each rely on a healthy, clean environment in which to train and compete,” emphasizes Communications Director Patty Phillips.

Team TIBCO Women’s Cycling proudly partners with other industry members committed to socially responsible practices. Companies like Clif Bar and Pedros have long implemented environmentally friendly practices, and Team TIBCO Head Mechanic Steven Sperling will work with Schwalbe Tires to further reduce waste through their tire recycling program.

“We are all in this together. As a team, we want to make a positive difference through our actions and partnerships, and we hope that by contributing to this effort, we’ll encourage others to do the same,” adds Rais.

“I am really excited to see the initiative put forth by Rais and the rest of Team TIBCO’s athletes,” comments Director Sportif Linda Jackson. “Athletes are typically very focused on the immediate task at hand. Through our efforts, we are acknowledging that it is our responsibility to manage the resources that we currently have with future generations in mind.”

To learn more about the Team TIBCO Blue Planet Campaign and environmental efforts by companies like Clif Bar, Pedros and Schwalbe, visit www.teamtibco.com.

Team TIBCO Women’s Cycling is a professional cycling program devoted to fostering the success of elite women cyclists in national and international competition with a focus on developing contenders for the Olympic Games through the team’s elite and development programs, emphasizing joy in sport, fair play and dedication to excellence.