October 19/05 10:52 am - Randell & Crichton to Symmetrics, Bauer at Red Bull Road Rage

Posted by Editor on 10/19/05
 

Symmetrics Adds Randell and Crichton
Courtesy Symmetrics

In keeping with Symmetrics Cycling's mandate to develop Canadian cycling talent on an all Canadian team, Andrew Randell and Brandon Crichton have been signed for the 2006 season. Randell is a former member of the Jet Fuel professional cycling team and Crichton is a former member of the Ital Pasta/Belmire Transport professional cycling team.

Randell, of Toronto, has been a staple on the international scene, winning stages in the the Tour of Ireland and Norway's GP Ringerike. He is also a past Canadian Road Race Champion and has quietly gone about becoming one of the most underrated and respected riders in the Canadian peleton. Randell has honed his skills as a climber, time trialist, and sprinter, but is particularly adept at race strategy.

"Seeing the Symmetrics team in action at the Tour de Beauce this summer, I was immediately attracted by the idea of riding for them," Randall commented. "The team was impressive in their racing but also in the personal dynamic within the team. I am excited by the prospect of returning to my peak form of previous years and continuing to progress in my abilities as a rider - there will not be another chance in life to do this, so now's the time."

Crichton, a Hamilton resident, raced for Ital Pasta/Belmire Transport this past season after taking most of 2004 off due to injury. Crichton's stature and results did not stagnate despite a year off the bike and he became one of the top Espoir riders in North America in 2005. Crichton is multiskilled but it is his aggressiveness that has garnered him results such as the Best Young Rider jersey at the 2005 Bell Tour de Beauce, winner stage two Tour de la Porte Oceane (France), and second in stage two of the 2005 Tour de White Rock.

"I am ready to make the next step in my cycling career. I have watched Symmetrics Cycling grow each year with new talented cyclists. I feel my strengths and ability to adapt to a new team culture will present great opportunities," said Crichton.

Randell's experience and leadership will augment a strong core group of riders, and the addition of Crichton furthers Symmetrics' commitment to provide the best possible development opportunities for Canada's top young riders.


Steve Bauer to Race Red Bull Road Rage

Steve Bauer confirmed today that he has accepted an invitation to race down the legendary Tuna Canyon and find out who is the fastest descender at the inaugural Red Bull Road Rage, co-sponsored by Giant Bicycle. On November 5th, riders will take on a 2 mile course with a 2,000 foot elevation drop, cliff-hanging berms and 120 degree turns around rock faces at speeds up to 60 mph through the historic Tuna Canyon in Malibu, California.

The riders who have confirmed their attendance:

Road Racers
Marty Nothstein (Orefield, PA)
David Clinger (Woodland Hills, CA)
Erik Saunders (Twentynine Palms, CA)
David McCook (Mountain View, CA)
Steve Bauer (Ontario, Canada)
Carl Decker (Bend, OR)
David Richter (Seattle, WA)
Kayle LeoGrande (Upland, CA)
Eddy Gragus (Ft. Collins, CO)
Devon Vigus (Castro Valley, CA)
Butch Stinton (Simi Valley, CA)
Dean Meyer (Covelo, CA)
Pete Lopinto (Boulder, CO)
Sean Watkins (Encinitas, CA)

Mountain Bikers
Brian Lopes (Mission Viejo, CA)
Eric Carter (Temecula, CA)
Cedric Gracia (Pau, France)
Dave Cullinan (Santa Ana, CA)
Mark Weir (Novato, CA)
Mike King (San Diego, CA)
Shaums March (Highlands, BC)
Marla Streb (Los Osos, CA)
Colin Bailey (Big Bear, CA)
Duncan Riffle (Santa Barbara, CA)
Todd Tanner (Sun Valley, ID)


Once the race has begun, it will consist of two formats: Time Trials, where individuals race against the clock; and Pack Race, a boarder cross-style race format, where the top 16 riders from the Time Trial will be placed into 4 man heats and throw it on the line. The top two riders in each heat will advance through the bracket and after three times down the hill, the fastest one in the pack will be crowned.