December 13/03 9:15 am - 2004 Victory Brewing Team, COC on Federal Sports Ministers

Posted by Editor on 12/13/03
 

2004 Victory Brewing Women's Cycling Team

America Velo Sports, the founding and management company behind Victory Brewing women's professional cycling team is proud to announce the 2004 line up.

After a successful 2003 campaign, women's team Victory Brewing opted to make very few changes. In it's 3rd year as a professional women's cycling team, Victory Brewing is focusing on growing off of the solid foundation of sponsors, roster and schedule that have been a great combination.

Returning for a 2nd year, Specialized Bicycles will continue to be the bicycle and equipment supplier of the team (complete bicycles, helmets, gloves, computers, bottles and cages). With the growing market of women's specific cycling products, "Designs for women" at Specialized is a perfect fit. The ability to test and help develop women's specific equipment is an exciting venture that the Victory Brewing women's team is proud to be a part of.

For 2004 Victory Brewing is returning 6 of its current riders, and bringing onboard 3 new riders to fill in some gaps, where the team needed some help. "I am excited about the 2004 roster and the new blood we are bringing onboard. Brooke Ourada (USA) and Johanna Buick (NZL) are both very hungry riders that have shown they have the talent to climb with the front group. Their raw talent, coupled with the experience and leadership of Sandy Espeseth and Nicole Demars could prove to be very dangerous. On the other side, Emma Rickards (AUS) comes to us motivated to work for the team. Her assistance as a pace setter and lead-out will be much welcomed by sprinter Gina Grain", states Mike Tamayo (Team Director).

Roster:

Sandy Espeseth (Team Captain)
Nicole Demars (Co Captain)
Gina Grain (Sprinter)
Lauren Franges (Sprinter/Domestique)
Johanna Buick (Climber)
Brooke Ourada (Climber/Domestique)
Emma Rickards (Pace Setter/Domestique)
Kirsten Robbins (Domestique)
Sophie St-Jacques (Domestique)

The schedule for 2004 will be almost identical to the 2003 season, focusing on National Racing Calendar events, the American UCI Calendar, and a couple of World Cups. Like 2003 we have set our schedule to serve not only our sponsors, but also to assist the riders individual pursuits of World Championships and Olympics. A new factor in scheduling is trying to support events that are helping field the growth of women's cycling.


COC Addresses New Sports Minister Choices

Canadian Olympic Committee Applauds Prime Minister Martin's Appointment of Hélène Scherrer as Minister of Canadian Heritage and Stan Keyes as Minister of State (Sport)

TORONTO, December 12, 2003 ˆ Chris Rudge, CEO of the Canadian Olympic Committee (COC), welcomed today's appointment of Hélène Scherrer as Minister of Canadian Heritage.

"This is a great step for sport in Canada," said Rudge. "Mme Scherrer is a strong supporter of amateur sport and she has valuable experience in organizing sporting events in Quebec, the province with a model support structure for amateur athletes. I am encouraged that athletes will have a strong voice at the Cabinet table representing their interests and I congratulate the Prime Minister for taking this important step."

Rudge also welcomed Stan Keyes as Minister of State for Sport. "Mr. Keyes will be a valuable ally of the Canadian sporting community. Together with Mme Scherrer, we look forward to working with this strengthened team."

"Success for Canada at the 2010 Olympic Winter Games in Vancouver requires the government to play a leading role in fostering excellence among Canadian athletes at the development level," said Rudge. "Appointing Mme Scherrer and Mr. Keyes is an important step toward the realization of our vision to make Canada one of the top sporting nations in the world."

The COC advocates increased federal funds for sport in the 2004 Budget and the creation of a new funding approach to ensure long-term sustainability for high-performance sport in Canada. The COC looks forward to working closely with Mme Scherrer and Mr. Keyes to advance these very important issues.