February 14/03 7:19 am - Team Diet Rite 2003, Klassen & Hughes Interview, Birth Announcement, Birthday

Posted by Editoress on 02/14/03
 

Team Diet Rite 2003

Courtesy Jeff Corbett, Sports Group 11

Sports Group Eleven is pleased to announce the Diet Rite Women's Cycling Team roster for 2003. 2003 marks the second season of the Diet Rite Women's Cycling Team's existence. In 2002 Team Diet Rite left it's mark at races around the nation. This year the Diet Rite squad will again be a dominant force on the domestic racing scene.

Returning to the six-member squad is the 2002 U.S. National Criterium Champion and World Championship Team member, Tina Mayolo-Pic. Tina had an outstanding season with Team Diet Rite in 2002, showing her sprinting prowess with wins at the 2002 season opener in Merced, CA. and at the season finale in Miami, FL. Tina was also the only US woman to earn a National Championship medal in all three road events (road race, time trial, and criterium), a feat which she credits to the supportive roles of her teammates. Tina is a seasoned veteran and again will be leading the Diet Rite squad to more victories and looking to defend her title as the National Criterium Champion.

Also returning for their second season with Team Diet Rite are Kori Kelly and Kerry Soraci-Schmatz both of Colorado. Kori brings with her solid all-around abilities and plays a key role as a supportive team rider. Kori's 2002 results include a stage win at the Gateway Cup in St. Louis, MO. where she also took the overall title. Last year Kerry finished sixth at the Sequoia Cycling Classic in Visalia, CA. and second at Snake Alley in Iowa. Kerry's strength in one-day racing will again be an integral part of Team Diet Rite's success for the 2003 season.

In addition, Canadian Cybil DiGuistini and New Zealander Joanne Kiesanowski are back for another year with the Diet Rite Women's Cycling Team. Both of these riders will bring significant talent to the team. Cybil's experience, race savvy and commitment to the team are second to none. In 2002 Cybil's multi-day racing abilities shone at the Tour of Gila where she finished fifth overall. Cybil has also competed in four World Championships with the Canadian National Team. Joanne's speed and power are a welcome return to the roster. Last year she finished second at the San Rafael Cycling Classic and was a member of the New Zealand National Team for the World Championships.

The Diet Rite Women's Cycling Team welcomes the new addition of New Zealand's Tania Duff-Miller. In 2002 Tania finished a respectable 4th place at the Housatonic Valley Classic, forth at the Clarendon Cup and she appeared on the podium in third place at the Tour of Somerville and third at the San Rafael Grand Prix. Tania's experience and strong finishing abilities will be an immense asset to Team Diet Rite.

Al Boucher, a former Canadian National Champion, is returning as the Team Director for 2003. "I feel very confident about the roster this year. We were able to retain our really strong components from last year as well as adding Tania Duff-Miller to our line-up. She was a bit of a thorn in our side in finishes last season, and having her with us this year should prove to be an invaluable asset", says Boucher.

Boucher is also positive about the team's more focused race calendar for 2003, "We're planning to spend a little less time on the road this year, which will allow us to focus more specifically on our goals – winning the NRC overall, defending our National Champion status, and once again qualifying our team members for the World Championships." Boucher also notes, " This is the strongest criterium team in the US, but we will also be a threat in the one-day road races and for stages".

The Diet Rite Women's Cycling Team will again be riding light and fast bikes supplied by Masi. Returning sponsors also include industry leaders Verge (clothing), Time (forks, shoes, pedals), Rudy Project (eyewear), Ritchey (components), Bell (helmets), and Serfas (saddles). New for 2003 are Mavic as the official wheel sponsor, Maxxis will be providing all the rubber, and SRAM, coming on board with their new line of road chains and cassettes. Filling Team Diet Rite's bellies for 2003 are Cytosport (energy and recovery drink supplier) and Honey Stinger, providing their new energy bar. The girls will be sporting casual clothing supplied by Dogfish.

The Diet Rite Women's Cycling Team will kick off the season with a training camp in central Florida where they will have their season debut at the Festival of Speed in Orlando, FL. Team Diet Rite is then off to California to begin their NRC season with the McLane Pacific Bicycle Classic, Solano Bicycle Classic, and the Redlands Bicycle Classic.

Tina Mayolo-Pic
Kori Kelly
Kerry Soraci-Schmatz
Cybil DiGuistini
Joanne Kiesanowski
Tania Duff-Miller


Clara Hughes Interview

Cyclist/speedskater Clara Hughes (2002 Canadian Cyclist of the Year) will be on CBC Radio's Inside Track sports program on Sunday at 1:30 pm EST - check local listings for the time in your area.


Congratulations
Courtesy Glen Rendall

Congratulations are in order to K2bikes Canadian brand manager and Master mountain biker Reece Rendall and his wife Jennifer. They are now the proud parents of Robert Thomas Rendall. Born Feb 13 at 1:18pm and weighing in at 9lbs 6oz.


Happy Birthday to......... Mark Walters celebrating tomorrow.