GT Bicycles Launches Nationwide Grassroots Mountain Bike ProgramGT Bicycles today announced it will recruit 35 mountain bike racers nationwide for its new grassroots mountain bike program: the GT Dirt Coalition. Each member will race and represent GT Bicycles and the International Mountain Biking Association (IMBA) at a minimum of six mountain bike races during the 2009 season.
“Amateurs are the unsung heroes of mountain bike racing,” said Jenni Cathcart, Director of Marketing for GT Bicycles. “The GT Dirt Coalition rewards their competitive spirit and commitment to cycling”
Each GT Dirt Coalition member will receive a high-end race machine: GT’s iconic Zaskar Pro hardtail ($3499.99) with GT signature triple triangle frame design or the Marathon Pro ($4299.99), GT’s lightweight full suspension bike utilizing GT’s Independent Drivetrain suspension system. Both models feature a monocoque carbon fiber frame and XT components. Members also receive a 10x10 Dirt Coalition tent, two race kits and GT swag. The sponsorship package is valued at $4,200-$5000.
GT Dirt Coalition members will be selected based upon their leadership in the cycling community, involvement in advocacy, local bike shop affiliations, proposed 2009 race schedule and past race results. If you think you’ve got what it takes to be a GT Dirt Coalition member, please fill out the application at http://www.gtdirtcoalition.com/Apply.htm between January 23 and February 5, 2009.
One note: Any rider who gets paid to race or holds a professional cycling license is not eligible for the Dirt Coalition. And sorry, but all racers must be 18 or older.
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Troupe Racing Company Announces 2009 Sponsors + Team Roster
Mission Viejo, CA 2008 Southern California mountain bike team Troupe Racing Company is please to announce that they'll be back in force for the 2009 season. This marks the second year for the amateur team which participates in all forms of cross country racing. Team Captain Tim VanGilder said that the response from Troupe's first year from both the riding community and sponsors was beyond expectations. "Our goal will be to continue to build a small and unique mountain bike team similar to a pro team. We're amateurs, but we try to present ourselves as if we're all pros. That takes work, but in the end, its actually a lot fun and adds something special to our team's brand. We're very active in sharing our rides and races online, too - we hope that helps inspire others to get into racing."The 2009 race schedule will reflect the team's interest in endurance racing. Members have their sights set on events like the Warriors' Society Vision Quest / Counting Coupe, solo and team entries in the 12 Hours of Temecula series, 24 Hours of Adrenaline events, and 24 Hour National Championships, as well as a host of traditional cross country races like Sea Otter Classic and the Rim Nordic series in SoCal.
Sponsors
New for '09, the team is pleased to have Santa Cruz and their Blur XC bikes on board. X-Fusion suspension will compliment the frames and is supporting the team with forks and shocks. "For us, this is the dream set-up," Tim said. Crankbrothers also continues with the team and will supply pedals, directsets, and their new Cobalt xc wheels. Australian based Knog will provide a variety of lights, softgoods, and their new N.E.R.D. cycling computers.
"Knog is one of those companies that we're really excited to have back for '09. They're totally unexpected for xc racing, but they design awesome lights and products," Tim said.
To keep the bikes comfortable during those midnight laps, Troupe chose f'izi:k saddles and Ergon grips. WTB will again be their tire of choice. "We wanted to work with WTB because to us, the represent a classic mountain bike brand with excellent quality" Tim said on relationship with WTB. SixSixOne supports the team with gloves and brings a bit of top-quality style to the team's kit, which will again be produced by Hincapie Sportswear. "The Hincapie gear is just awesome. The detail and quality of their clothing is like none other. They are our first choice for our kits" Tim said. Finally, fueling it all is the endurance nutrition power-house, Hammer Nutrition. "We've all been using Hammer for years, so we're really happy to have them officially part of our team" added team rider Randy Profeta who has been a long-time proponent of Hammer's line of products.
Visit www.trouperacingco.com for more info.
Riders
The 2009 team will consist of all the original members. In addition, they welcome a number new riders to the squad.
The 2009 team will consist of all the original members. In addition, they welcome a number new riders to the squad.
2009 Roster
Megan Corradino, San Clemente, CA
Laura Knight, Costa Mesa, CA
Michelle VanGilder, Mission Viejo, CA
Monica Zorilla, Aliso Viejo, CA
Randy Profeta, Irvine, CA
John Cordoba, Laguna Niguel, CA
Ben Blank, Wildomar, CA
Tim VanGilder, Mission Viejo, CA
Kevin Akerman, Ladera Ranch, CA
Damon Mann, Ladera Ranch, CA
Roy Alvarado, Lake Forest, CA
Errett Cord, Newport Beach, CA
Joses Kofford, Rancho Santa Margarita, CA
Edited by: Shannon Boffeli
