October 31/07 9:50 am - Santa Cruz Picks Up Sheppard

Posted by Editor on 10/31/07
 

Santa Cruz Picks Up Sheppard

Santa Cruz Bicycles is pleased to announce that Chris Sheppard will be racing their new Stigmata cross bike this winter. "Cyclocross has deep roots in our local community, and this is one of the main incentives that led us to come out with the Stigmata." says Santa Cruz Marketing manager Mike Ferrintino. "To have a rider of Sheppard's caliber come onboard and race our bike at the highest level nationally is a huge bonus for us. Aside from being damn fast, Shep is one of the friendliest and most approachable riders out there. We're stoked, to say the least."

After pushing hard for a win at round three of the ever-popular Cross Crusade, Sheppard returned to UCI-level competition in Louisville, Kentucky this past weekend. "I am truly excited that Santa Cruz was able to make a few calls to get me kitted up for the weekend. Cycling is my passion, so to be involved with a company that is equally as passionate about their bicycles and athletes feels amazing."

Coming onboard are co-sponsors Giro, Chris King, SRAM, Paul Components, Alpha-Q, DT-Swiss, and Sunnyside Sports.

Over the two days of racing this past weekend in Kentucky, Sheppard posted a 12th then finished off the weekend with a 9th. "Starting mid-field is frustrating . After two years away from a start line and with only one month of racing in my legs it is much more difficult for me to make big efforts at the beginning of the race. No excuse - just understanding", noted Sheppard. He used this knowledge to pace himself past 10-15 racers over the final twenty minutes each day thus taking round two's "Most Aggressive" rider award.