And now, YOUR 2006 VB-K Professional Cross Team

VELO BELLA – KONA ANNOUNCES 2006 WOMEN’S ELITE CYCLOCROSS TEAM

The Velo Bella - Kona women are back for another year of flinging dirt and spreading mayhem across the cyclocross circuit. And, now they’ve gone bi -coastal. For the third year in a row, the nation’s largest all female cyclocross team will spread the Bella vibe around the Crank Brother’s US Grand Prix of Cyclocross, US Cyclocross Nationals and at over 60 local races across the US.

“Velo Bella is dedicated to providing a place for women to ride their bikes, race their bikes, and above all, get muddy in a skinsuit. With continued membership growth across the US, we felt it necessary to create a bi-coastal cyclocross team to mentor and inspire our members wherever they are. That and there just isn’t enough mud here in California” said Team Co Founder, Sabine Dukes.

The 2006 Elite Velo Bella-Kona Cyclocross Team will consist of ten riders from around the United States. Roistering dry California sand will be Sarah Kerlin, Barb Howe and Ann Fitzsimmons. Sarah (Capitola, CA) was the 2004 US National Cyclocross Champion, 30-34, and 2004 US National Team member. Barb Howe (Larkspur, CA) has won numerous UCI races here in the US and was a National Team Member in 2004 and 2005. Ann Fitzsimmons (Morgan Hill, CA) rose through the Velo Bella ranks as a beginner a few years ago to place 12th at the 2005 US National Cyclocross Championships. Team veterans Erin Kassoy (Palo Alto, CA), Shannon Holden (Spokane, WA) and developmental racer Marian Jamison (Reno, NV) complete the squad.

The mud squad is led by Anna Milkowski and Melanie Swartz. Anna (New Haven, CT) has placed highly at UCI road and cyclocross races, including taking 11th at the 2005 US National Cyclocross Championships. Melanie (Reston, VA) is a rising star in the Mid-Atlantic region and ranked 6th in US for UCI points in cyclocross during 2005. Veteran Bella Jennifer Tilley (Lawrence, Kansas), Dee Dee Winfield (Charlottesville, VA) and developmental racer Stephanie White (2004 US Junior National Champion, 15-18) from Bedford, NH complete the eastern squad.

The team will be riding in sweet style with custom painted cyclocross frames from Kona Bicycles, featuring Easton stems, seatposts, bars, forks and wheels, as well as SRAM Force drive trains, Avid brakes, Chris King headsets and Selle San Marco saddles. TeamEstrogen.com sells team clothing and sexy skinsuits provided by Hincapie Sportswear, and Giro helmets and Zeal Optics protect our racers through the worst conditions possible. The ever sassy Vanderkitten clothing line will help us relax post-race, and the lovely Good Vibrations will keep our racers “safe” at the post-race parties. Pedro’s and Ultimate Support provide our mechanics with all they need to keep the team’s bikes rolling smoothly, and UC-Davis Sports Medicine ensures our athletes are ready to perform wherever they race.

Velo Bella - Kona is a non-profit, grassroots, multidiscipline cycling team based out of Watsonville, CA. Velo Bella’s contagious spirit and unique approach to women’s competitive cycling have created a following across the United States and around the world. The Bellas encourage women to cycle, no matter what their level. The distinctive Velo Bella kit can be found on recreational riders, elite level racers, and all those in between. More information on Velo Bella can be found on their website: http://www.velobella.org/.