New partnership brings together forward-thinking apparel maker and #1 German bicycle brand

Carlsbad, CA - FOCUS Bicycles USA will further its commitment to world-class bicycle racing through co-title sponsorship of the Vanderkitten-Focus Women’s Cycling Team. Vanderkitten-Focus represents an exciting new era of growth in women’s racing, with focus on athletics, results and marketing, blended with distinctive feminine style. Based in the San Francisco Bay Area, the team will compete across the United States and in select international venues.

Vanderkitten-Focus will ride the featherlight FOCUS Izalco Team frameset, which features the best of German design and engineering. The Izalco Team is highlighted by ultra-light carbon construction, Liquid Shape Force Flow Design, elbowed comfort seat stays, internally routed cables, BB30 oversized bottom bracket and matching 3T Rigida Pro fork. This is the same frameset to be ridden by the ProTour Team Katusha in 2011.

Vanderkitten–Focus will be outfitted in custom-sized clothing manufactured in the USA by JL Velo for Vanderkitten. Team clothing (also available to consumers) will be made from recycled, environmentally minded or locally sourced materials. All materials are carefully chosen to enhance athletic performance, while maintaining premium levels of style and elegance - a key feature of the Vanderkitten brand.

This will mark the 5th year of operation for the bold and engaging Vanderkitten Racing program, which won back-to-back overall titles in the USA Criterium Series in 2008 and 2009. The team plans to further build upon its success at the 2010 Honda Insight International GP in Australia. In addition to its racing duties, Vanderkitten-Focus will support local FOCUS retailers through special promotions and appearances.

“Vanderkitten-Focus will promote and celebrate women athletes at the top of their game, and further drive the ‘By Pros, For Pros’ theme, which is the backbone of our business,” said Scott Rittschof, CEO of FOCUS Bicycles USA. “We are thrilled to welcome such a strong women’s team to our growing racing program.”

2011 Vanderkitten–Focus Roster
• Anna Lang (Washington, DC)
• Emily Collins (Auckland, New Zealand)
• Jasmin Hurikino (Brisbane, Australia)
• Jennifer Reither (Scotts Valley, CA)
• Jennifer Weinbrecht (San Diego, CA)
• Maura Kinsella (St Louis, MO)
• Starla Teddergreen (San Francisco, CA)
• Vanessa Drigo (San Francisco, CA)
• Technical Director- Jono Coulter (Brisbane, Australia)
• Mechanic- Dan Hornadasch (San Francisco, CA)

“The Vanderkitten-Focus partnership represents a new era of support for women’s athletics in the USA,” said Dave Verrecchia, Founder/Designer of Vanderkitten, LLC. “FOCUS bicycles are the epitome of design, quality and function, and like Vanderkitten, represent the best in their field. In keeping with the Vanderkitten mission of empowering women through athletics, we are energized to pair top level athletes with premium quality clothing and bicycles.”

Berkeley, CA - Vanderkitten presented by Kenda revealed the 2010 road team kit and sponsorship line-up last week. "This season is about streamlining our program, building on our consecutive USA Crits Team Titles, supporting our National Championship winning athletes, and continuing to gain exposure for Women's Cycling outside of the racing community" said David Verrecchia, Vanderkitten Creator.

"We will continue to build upon our long-term partnership with Kenda Tires and Storck Bicycles, combining our resources to promote Women's cycling by developing a program that will help launch cyclists to new levels" added Vanderkitten Managing Director, Mark Zefeldt.

Vanderkitten Racing also adds an "official" mountain bike squad of Barbra Howe and Shannon Holden focusing on endurance and multi-day stage races in the dirt. The MTB squad will also ride Kenda tires, Easton and SRAM just like the Road team, in addition to the impressive Ibis Mojo SL and Tranny Carbon frames.

"The Ibis relationship has been so easy and so supportive it was a natural evolution to take what we did in Cross, and apply it to Mountain for Vanderkitten" adds Barbra Howe of Vanderkitten.

Vanderkitten presented by Kenda's Sponsors: Vanderkitten Clothing, Kenda Tires, Storck Bicycles, Easton Components, Giro Helmets and accessories, Tifosi Optics, Motortabs, SRAM, Relegate Coffee and the Hawley Company.

Vanderkitten's Roster: Captain Jennifer Reither, Jennifer Wilson, Anna Lang, Starla Teddergreen, Erika Graves, Barbra Howe, Shannon Holden, Haley Beann and Laura Cooke.

Vanderkitten Racing was established in 2007 to promote Women's cycling and create a sustainable model of top-level athletic participation for women.

For more information and sponsorship inquiries please contact Mark Zefeldt at mark@vanderkitten.com

Berkeley , Calif. – Backed by continued support from title sponsor Vanderkitten Clothing, the team announced on Tuesday that it has finalized its 8-rider roster for the 2009 season. Jennifer Wilson, Liz Hatch, Melissa Sanborn and Leigh Hopkins (Valletti) return to lead the team in capturing the US Crit Series team title once again in 2009. With the additions of Laura Bowles, Melodie Metzger , Virginia Perkins and Elisabeth Williams, the team will have added experience and the additional horsepower needed to challenge the tough NRC race schedule.

Recently appointed Team Race Manager, Jeff Hopkins commented, "I am really looking forward to the opportunity to work with everyone on the roster. It seems to me that Vanderkitten Racing has all of the pieces in place to be a great team. I am proud to see the enthusiastic support of Vanderkitten along with the support of Stork Bicycles. We look forward to this years season and are ready for the challenges ahead."

2009 Vanderkitten Racing Team:
Laura Bowles [Ashville, NC]; Liz Hatch [San Francisco, CA]; Leigh Hopkins [Decatur, GA]; Melodie Metzger [Berkeley, CA]; Virginia Perkins [Berkeley, CA]; Melissa Sandborn [Portland, OR]; Elisabeth Williams [Auckland City, NZ]; Jennifer Wilson [West Hills, CA]; Haley Beann [Fayetteville, NC]; Jennifer Greenberg [Oakland, CA]; Charlotte Hart [Merced, CA]; Mary Maroon [Oakland, CA].

The mission of The Vanderkitten Racing Women's Elite Cycling Team is to promote health, well being and equality for women in professional cycling. The VK cycling team is committed to the development of young riders and increasing participation and visibility of women in the sport of cycling.

Photo: Leonard Basobas

Reading, PA (June 5, 2008) - It has truly been some time since I posted something about our friend Liz Hatch (Team Vanderkitten).

Last year, Liz was the face of Vanderkitten Racing as she traveled and raced solo to represent the grassroots clothing company. But by the fall of 2007, Vanderkitten Racing began to morph into a full fledge US Cycling NRC racing team replete with sponsors, coaches, and a bevy of new administrative logistics.

Racing on BH Connect bikes, the first-year team has begun to get its bearings on the professional circuit, and garnered some respect along the way.

In two FLICKR-styled story boards (5 photos or less), here is a recap of Team Vanderkitten's day at the 2008 Commerce Bank Reading Classic.

"Preparation"

"Opportunity"

Results
13th - Melissa Sanborn
16th - Flavia Oliveira
19th - Jennifer Wilson
32nd - Liz Hatch

Jennifer Tilley and Leigh Valletti will round out the Northern California based squad as they make an assault on the Commerce Bank Liberty Classic on Sunday, June 8th.

Photos: Leonard Basobas
"Preparation" - (from top to bottom: Jennifer Wilson, Flavia Oliveira, Liz Hatch & Jennifer Wilson, Dave Verrecchia [center], Michael Hernandez [center])

"Opportunity" - (from top to bottom: Mellisa Sanborn, Jennifer Wilson, Liz Hatch, Flavia Oliveira)

Santa Rosa, CA (February 18, 2008) – I grew up as a fan of Charles M. Schulz’s comic strip Peanuts. Although he passed eight years ago, his presence is still felt in this hometown of Santa Rosa. In the downtown area, statues commemorating his various characters can be seen seemingly around every corner.

It may be a bit old-fashioned or puristic in thinking, but I never grew to love the animated versions of his characters. Nevertheless, I have grown to appreciate movies like “A Boy Named Charlie Brown" and "A Charlie Brown Christmas.”

As such, the setting of Santa Rosa could not have been more fitting for both the Inaugural Amgen Tour of California Women’s Criterium and the finish of Stage 1 of the Men’s race, as both definitely could be described as animated.

V is for Vanderkitten
Although many of the top European names were not present for the Inaugural Tour of California Women's Criterium, the field could still be classified as a world class with the likes of Laura Van Gilder (Cheerwine), Brooke Miller and Amber Rais (Team TIBCO), Shelley Olds (PROMAN/Paradigm), and Mara Abbott (Team High Road), to name a few.

The view that the peloton saw most of the day

However, from the opening gun it was first year team, Vanderkitten that could be found at the head of the race with Liz Hatch leading the field. Though the conclusion was not to Liz’s expectations, owners Dave Verricchia and Mark Zefeldt could not be prouder of their chargers as they were either at or near the front animating the peloton throughout the course of the 60 minute race.

Jenny Trew has a dig

Body Double
For those who have not followed the career of Jackson Stewart (BMC) the 27-year-old's greatest claim to fame was as a body double for Lance Armstrong in two 2004 Nike commercials [oh, the sheer vanity of maintaining perceptions; or at this point in Our Boy Lance’s career, too busy training to maintain his Tour form].

On Stage 1 of the Amgen Tour of California, however, the BMC rider took center stage. Stewart launched himself over the mountainous terrain of Stage 1 in a suicidal effort to claim the day. With a lead that swelled to over 13 minutes at times, Stewart was finally overwhelmed just minutes before entering the finishing circuit in downtown Santa Rosa.

For his efforts, Stewart claimed the Most Aggressive Rider jersey [given daily to the rider who attacks the most or is most animated] and the King of the Mountains jersey.

Photos: Leonard Basobas

Vanderkitten Racing 2008 Training Camp
Berkeley, Calif. – February 4, 2008 – Vanderkitten Racing will kick off the 2008 season with its initial team training camp February 11th through 18th. The team will conclude its camp by participating in the Amgen Tour of California Women's Criterium on February 18th.

Vanderkitten’s training camp will include scenic rides through Northern California, providing intense yet inspiring workouts to prepare the team for the upcoming NRC season. In addition to focused training sessions, the team will be dialing in their new BH Connect road bikes, participating in multiple photo sessions for VK Racing and sponsors, and conducting interviews with industry related media.

“We’re psyched to kick off this year’s camp. We’ve got some awesome activities planned along with some super sick rides,” said Scott Gross, Director Sportif of VK Racing. “This will be a great opportunity for our team to bond and really get to know each other in addition to getting their bodies and minds ready for the season ahead. Being able to hold our training camp in Vanderkitten’s backyard is great, and we’re extremely grateful to our sponsors for helping to make this happen.”

The Vanderkitten cycling team is composed of a powerhouse roster and a squad of regional riders, including: Jane Despas (AUS), Leah Guloien (CAN), Liz Hatch (USA), Moriah MacGregor (CAN), Melissa Sanborn (USA), Jenny Trew (CAN), Leigh Ann Valletti (USA), Flavia Oliveira (USA) and Heather Sborz (USA).

“I couldn’t be more stoked to have this group of women representing Vanderkitten - clothing for women who kick ass,” said Dave Verrecchia, owner and founder of the Berkeley-based clothing company. “These girls have proven that they not only can race their bikes, but they embody the Vanderkitten brand with class, intelligence, and style.”

The mission of The Vanderkitten Foundation's Elite Women's Cycling Team is to promote health, well being and equality for women in professional cycling. The VK cycling team is committed to the development of young riders and increasing participation and visibility of women in the sport of cycling.

For more information please visit http://racing.vanderkitten.com or email mark@vanderkitten.com

Independent Thought
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“Off the front” is a term we use in cycling for someone who goes in a break, either with a group or solo. For some, the term not only describes a tactical strategy but also a riding style. While for others, it expresses a personality. In French, these types of riders are referred to as “baroudeur-rouleur,” literally a “fighter” who goes over rolling terrain well, or more descriptively, a rider who is brave enough to go on a suicidal solo effort. Enter Elizabeth Hatch.

The 27-year-old who rides for Team Vanderkitten has been “off the front” in the two years she has been in the women’s professional peloton, and on the internet where she formerly went by the username “Roubaix Girl.”

It would be a mistake; however, to simply label her for what you see on race day or on the internet. Liz, while strikingly beautiful, is as multi-dimensional and dichotomous a personality as I have gotten to know. She is considered "green" in the world of professional cycling, but has enough experience and talent to win the races that she enters; she transmits a "rock star" persona, but is amazingly approachable and down to earth; she is graceful on the bike, but at times trips over air off of it; she is tough and gritty when diving for a line, but vulnerable enough to emote when seeing her father after a rough race. At times, it’s as if Liz challenges your perceptions of her.

In this interview with Vanderkitten Liz Hatch, we discuss her beginnings, Europe, feeling “sexy,” and where she would take women’s cycling.

Granny’s 30 (G): In your interview with Brett of The Sporting Life, you stated that your 24th birthday was a seminal point in your cycling career. What was your motivation for getting up off that couch to cycle, let alone race, as many cycling fans cycle but don't necessarily race?

Liz Hatch (LH): 2004 was a turning point in my personal life. I had the feeling that I was standing on the edge of a cliff, the point of no return. Looking back I can see that buying my first bike was manifestation of the realization of this; taking a step in the direction of freedom, taking control of my own life. I certainly had no inkling then that it would take me this far in such a short time however...

The racing came after a year and half of crazy group rides in South Florida. Anyone who's done rides down there can probably relate. There are no hills to separate “the men from the boys" so almost every ride turns into a full out "speed fest". I just got the urge to go farther with it, to see how I compared to girls out there racing already.

G: You've raced in Belgium and in the United States, could you compare the racing done in Europe as compared to the States...the fans? Which do you prefer? Do you think you'll go back and race in Europe?

LH: The racing here is certainly tough, crits are really hard in the sense that you have to be smart and know when to take your chance and when to be patient. There are a couple really strong teams right now that control the race for their sprinters who can sit back and pounce when the time is right.

Racing in Belgium was different for the most part because they don't really do crits. I did a few of the "after Tour" crits but the majority of races I did were circuit or road races over 2 to 3 hours. You get more of a chance to stretch your legs. Also there were generally more girls racing. The breaks there stick; it's not like here where a break normally comes back. It's very windy there and the roads aren't always "ideal" so sometimes you'll end up with a few groups all fighting it out. The fans there have such a passion for the sport. They don't mind the road closures and the rain doesn't stop them from standing on the side of the road for hours either. It was cool to meet such nice people there that come to all the races and follow your progress throughout the season. I showered in more strangers’ homes after races than I care to remember! Belgian people are very hospitable.

I very much enjoyed my time in Europe, and while I have grown to love the racing here in the States over the past year, my heart is in Europe. The history of cycling there moves me greatly. I hope to be a part of making Vanderkitten a UCI team at some point in the very near future so that we can do a European program. Our director, Scott Gross, backs my feelings on this 100%. In fact, he canceled his yearly pilgrimage to Belgium for the Classics to be at Sea Otter with us.

G: I found it interesting that your first two real cycling experiences were in Florida, where if you're not heading into a head wind you're certainly getting hit by a cross wind, and in Belgium, another wind swept area. Do you feel that made you tougher as a cyclist...and how has the move to an area where cyclists abound helped your development?

LH: Being in Florida and Belgium gave me speed on the flats for sure. The wind there can get downright ridiculous but I've really grown to "enjoy" it. I feel at home in windy conditions, it forces you to be mentally strong which comes in handy in many aspects of life. This past year out in California has added depth to my ability, I've become a much better climber but I have a ways to go to be the best I can be at it. I'll never be 115lbs, let alone a Buck Five, like so many of these girls that are in many ways my role models. I have to work with the body type that I have, which is,luckily for me, built for races that I have a passion for.

G: One-day Classics or Grand Tours?

LH: Ha. Need I say it? Classics.

G: Crits or Road Races?

LH: Both. I want to win both. I want to win everything I enter.

G: You've stated that you'd like to win The Ronde someday, what about Worlds?

LH: I think every racing cyclist has, on a quiet back road with no one around, pretended to raise his or her arms envisioning themselves crossing the line first and pulling that gorgeous jersey on... Yes, I've done it too. Visualizing that sort of thing is what I translate into the motivation to make it happen in real life.

G: What's the best moment you've had on a bike…the worst?

LH: Best- The Col d'Agnel in France, it's like being in heaven at the top.

Worst- Bonking so bad on the Izoard that I began losing peripheral vision. Or maybe that digger I took in April on my face... Both are cool memories now though.

G: What is one thing that most people don't know about you?

LH: I still sleep with my baby blanket... Jesus, I used to own over 200 tubes of lipstick... I had to part with some of them, too much to carry around.

G: 200 tubes of lipstick? Are we talking every Juicy Tube flavor? And did you carry them all at one time? What did your bag...er, backpack look like?

LH: I had a huge hard sided luggage that had all of my lipstick in it. I have a huge weakness for MAC cosmetics. I race in makeup. Maybe I'll grow up one day and stop being so vain but till then...

G: Racing as a one-woman team last year, was there any race where you wished you had some teammates around you? Do you think you learned more by going it alone?

LH: All of them! The reason women like Van Gilder, Vos, or Nicole Cooke are able to win so much is because of their team! I'm sure they would tell you the same. You are at a huge disadvantage without teammates. On the other side of the coin it forced me to be proactive. I'm not the sort of racer to sit in and go along for the ride. Racing on my own gave me a lot of freedom to make my own moves. I would always think "WWLD", What Would Ludo Do? Haha, maybe that's odd but I totally dig Ludo Dierckxsens style of racing. Or Jacky Durand. They had cajones! They were interesting to watch, they involved you; you were forced to sit in front of your TV to see if they would make it to the end. Guys like that always made me FEEL the race. Like them, I want to take a race in my teeth and shake it by the neck!

G: If guys like Ludo and Jacky make you FEEL the race...what do you FEEL when you're racing?

LH: I feel so alive that I'm almost close to death. It's the best high I've ever had, I feel invincible and vulnerable all at once. I know that I could race "safer" and sit in more but I don't know that I'd get the satisfaction from that style of racing. I enjoy the risk. It's a "sexy" feeling. Ha, really...It’s a weird thing to say, but true. All that adrenaline and the goose bumps... It's like the best kiss ever! Makes me want to scream like a banshee (if I weren't so out of breath)! I cannot explain it better than that.

G: What are your personal expectations for the upcoming 2008 season? Which races are you targeting? What are your expectations for the team?

LH: I'm not going to be shy and say I just want to have fun and enjoy myself. No, I want to win. I want Vanderkitten to win. I will work my ass off for this team and these girls. We really are a different sort of team, in my opinion, just based on how we came to be. I'm so close to Mark, Dave and Jennie, they have done so much for me that I will put myself in my grave for the team if that's what it takes. We have some really talented girls this year that are going to teach me so much. Watch out for us! I'm tellin' ya! So far, Vanderkitten has been really lucky to meet like minded people out there, such as yourself, who are behind us. I want them to be proud of their involvement with us.

G: Are you really as clumsy as you say? Don't answer that, my shoulder is still broken isn't it? [laugh]

LH: I really am. I hide it well though. And again, I'M SOOOO SORRY!!!

G: I just recently watched the Morgan Freeman movie, "10 Items or Less." So Liz, 10 items or less, things that you can't live without ("keepers")?

LH:

• Westmalle Trippel
• Chapstick
• Nutella
• Electricity
• Toilet paper
• My blanket
• Bike
• My Robert Redford T-shirt
• A kazoo (love those things)
• And baked beans with weenies

G: Did you ever think of reaching out to the monks and ask Westmalle for sponsorship as you've probably subsidized their business over the years?

LH: Oh man, that would probably be the end of my racing career...

G: What would you say to the statement, "Pain is Temporary, Quitting is Forever." Have you ever quit?

LH: I have quit. It's the reason I know how much I hate the feeling of losing or giving less than my best. Quitting and losing teach you far greater lessons than winning.

G: What is appealing about women's cycling, objectively? What is appealing about women's cycling relative to men's cycling? Why do you think men's cycling still takes center stage over women's? What do you think should change in women's cycling to get people more interested and excited about it?

LH: My feelings on this subject run deep. Women's cycling is stuck in a vicious circle of poor promotion which causes a lack of interest. Cycling is at its most basic, entertainment.

In order to draw people in, to make them care, to make them to pay attention, they must have a connection to the athletes. They have to feel compelled to watch. With men's racing we learn so much about the individual cyclists, their personalities shine through, you get to know them and feel a connection. Ask yourself why you are a fan of one particular cyclist over another and normally it's because something about their persona interests you and excites you. The women I race with/against and admire are just as vibrant and interesting but we're always treated as a footnote and no one remembers the footnote. It's a shame because there is some really good clean fun going on and it's being missed out on. Vanderkitten aims to change that.

G: What do you have to say to people who think you're all "flash" and no substance?

LH: You know, I can't really answer for other people, nor will I try. You can't please everyone. As long as I have the respect and love of the people who've helped me live my dream it's something I just have to ignore.

I admit that I can be a little "over the top" and I have a bit of a mouth sometimes but that's just me, on the bike or off. Why should I change who I am?

G: Have you ever raced on the pines? What do you think about the whole fixie craze?

LH: I haven't yet but Vanderkitten will be working on a women's pursuit team which I will be a part of. I'm really looking forward to it. I admire the grace, skill, and power it takes to be a good track racer.

G: A recent Bicycling article spoke about traffic laws and specifically focused on the Bay area and the risk cyclists take and the repercussions [or lack thereof] that motorists face when riding around. What are your thoughts about the issue? What would you offer up as a solution(s)? What have been your experiences in and around the Bay area?

LH: The short answer? Bikes are the past, present and future. Americans need to wake up and smell the Ozone! Coming from South Florida, I can tell you that we are very fortunate here in NorCal to live in such a cycling friendly area, but it can always be improved. Again, look at countries like Belgium and the Netherlands. Bike highways abound!

G: Your Pops shared with me that story [that you brought up in your interview on The Sporting Life] about you sneaking out on his Gitane, or as I recollect he told me it was a Peugeot. Anyway, was that necessarily because of the freedom cycling afforded you or partly because you wanted to be like your Pops?

LH: Peugeot, man, I knew I was wrong... should have called dear old dad. My bike is still my freedom. It's been the catalyst for many life changing events and I'm sure it will continue to be for the rest of my life. I just can't wait to see where it will take me!
[ASIDE: It being every parent's right to embarass their children, Mr. Hatch shared this anecdote of Liz's first official ride on a bike]

At around 5 years old while living on a cul de sac in suburban Austin she announced that she was going to ride a 2 wheeler without aid of training wheels. I don't recall ever having put them on anyway. Her Mom asked if she needed any help to which she replied she didn't, " I know how to do it". Well, she did ride it, and fast. However, as the pavement ended and she didn't know how to steer or stop, she went through a hedge and into the neighbors garage door. So ended her first solo ride. Maybe that was a precursor to her friend Vinnie calling her " Crash "

G: This year you really discovered a talent for the sprints...did you consider yourself to be a sprinter beforehand? What type of sprint suits you best, large field sprint...two or three up...catching some wheels from another team's leadout...or leading it all out to see if someone can come around you?

LH: Before this year I never really considered myself anything but pretty strong and really stubborn on a bike. My abilities continue to grow and now that I have a great coach, I feel like I keep finding new gears! It's really amazing how cycling is such a "layered sport" as my teammate Leigh tells me.

As far as what kind of sprint suits me best, I'm going to be cagey and say they all do! Can't give too much away, yeah? I don't have a preference, I like to go fast!

G: What are your strengths...areas you might need to work on, on the bike...racing?

LH: Strengths - Obviously sprinting, but I'm finding that I may be more of an all-rounder than I previously thought. People tell me to stop saying I'm not a climber because I'm really not bad at it. It's all still to be determined, I'd rather not put labels and limit myself, ya know?

Race tactics are things I'm still learning. Patience. I've never been on a team so next year will offer a huge amount of opportunities to learn the art of racing a bike.

Photos: © Kurt Harvey (first); Courtesy Liz Hatch (second & third); ©Leonard Basobas (fourth)

Vanderkitten Names Roster for 2008
Berkeley, Calif. – December 17, 2007 – In the latest of a series of steps associated with preparation for the upcoming season, Vanderkitten Racing has disclosed their talented team of Elite Women cyclists for 2008.

"It is an honor to be the Director and a part of a first year team of this caliber. Our 2008 race season will show that the work being done by the management, coaches and team riders was with one purpose in mind and that is to be one of the best teams for the year ", said Scott Gross, Director Sportif.

The information builds upon the return of its sole-rider from 2007, Liz Hatch. This coming season, she will be accompanied by a talented squad of Vanderkitten’s:

• Jane Despas (Palo Alto, CA)
• Leah Guloien (Vancouver, BC)
• Liz Hatch (Delray Beach, FL)
• Moriah MacGregor (Vancouver, BC)
• Melissa Sanborn (Portland, OR)
• Jenny Trew (Vancouver, BC)
• Leigh Ann Valletti (Decatur, GA)
• Flavia Oliveira (Lafayette, CA)
• Heather Sborz (Tucson, AZ)

Additional riders to be announced, team to be supported by Regional riders.

“Vanderkitten Racing could not be more thrilled with the roster we have compiled,” said Mark Zefeldt, Managing Director. “The roster has a good mix of youth and experience on this team – specifically in Despas and Valletti, two riders with proven returns. We’re confident that this team will perform well, and it will only help further our preparation for many years to come."

Equipment and Supporting Sponsors to be announced shortly.

The mission of The Vanderkitten Foundation's Elite Women's Cycling Team is to promote health, well being and equality for women in professional cycling. The VK cycling team is committed to the development of young riders and increasing participation and visibility of women in the sport of cycling.

For more information please visit Vanderkitten Racing or email mark@vanderkitten.com
]]> http://triplecrankset.com/2007/12/in-full-effect/feed/ 2 http://triplecrankset.com/2007/10/are-you-an-ass-kicker/ http://triplecrankset.com/2007/10/are-you-an-ass-kicker/#comments Wed, 17 Oct 2007 04:56:00 +0000 Lenny B http://66.147.242.184/~triplec8/?p=892

Vanderkitten - Press Release

Berkeley, Calif. – Vanderkitten announces the establishment of Vanderkitten Racing, an experienced and talented team of Elite Women cyclists contesting the NRC Road circuit in 2008.

Growing on the success of the one-woman team of Liz Hatch in 2007, Vanderkitten will be fielding a 6-woman elite team as well as developmental and regional support riders.

"Our success in sponsoring Liz Hatch in 2007 has convinced us that Vanderkitten and cycling go hand in hand. Our focus next year will be the majority of the NRC calendar, and to that effect we have signed 4 immensely talented girls with another 2 athletes to be announced shortly" says Vanderkitten's Mark Zefeldt.

The current roster includes Leigh Valletti of Atlanta, GA, Mandy Lozano of Charlottesville, VA, Christine Vardaros of Mill Valley, CA, with Liz Hatch of Delray Beach, FL returning for another season. The team is accepting resumes and is in serious talks with several bike companies and corporate sponsors.

"Vanderkitten is thrilled to support these hard working, vibrant athletes and the sport of Women's Cycling. We're all looking forward to the upcoming season with great anticipation. Vanderkitten's mission since its inception is to create a long-term relationship with cycling and raise the bar of sponsorships for women athletes. High profile athletes provide a tremendous marketing value to all parties associated with their image. Women influence both female AND male purchasing decisions. Why, then, have women typically earned less than 10% of most pro male athletes salaries?" asks Vanderkitten's founder David Verrecchia of Berkeley.

Vanderkitten introduced a line of clothing and cycling apparel at Interbike whose proceeds go directly to build and support the cycling program. For more information please visit: Vanderkitten Racing.

CHICAGO - As I prepare to embark for Interbike, I can't help but feel [and look, as I've been rocking the mop top lately; inset] like William Miller, Patrick Fugit's character in the movie Almost Famous.

On his first real assignment, the teenaged aspiring rock journalist, is sent to cover an "on the verge of stardom" band called Stillwater. Though advised by his mentor to "experience it, enjoy it, just don't fall for it," William gets taken on an adventure that sees him transform from fan to professional journalist.

Although this is the second time the Triple Crankset has been credentialed as media, it is my first real assignment as a member of the "working media." Admittedly, I am not a professional journalist nor do I seriously aspire to become one; my passions slanting rather to fiction and short stories.

But as a blogger, my passions for writing and for cycling have converged. I have discovered an adeptness and a style of writing that feeds both sides of my being. I am a blogger. A blogger of cycling and of things cycling related, and I am about to experience the wild ride that is Interbike.

The trade show has gone from simply being an avenue for those in the cycling business and industry to inform, consult, and aid each other in maintaining or expanding their respective businesses to something bigger than life. It has politely been described to me as "an adult Disneyland for cyclists," or "AVN [look it up] for Bike Nerds."

As William covered the spectacle of rock & roll through the eyes of Stillwater, I will analogously be seeing the cycling industry through another set of eyes, Vanderkitten eyes.

The grassroots clothing company for "women who kick ass," is on the verge of becoming more than a regional brand. With Team Vanderkitten for the road set to race with a full lineup in 2008, and with an already established mountain bike team and a fledgling cyclocross team, they have postioned themselves for an exponential growth period.

So as I get set to meet our friend of the blog, Liz Hatch, and the rest of the Vanderkitten crew I couldn't help but parody both casts and crews.

Lester Bangs (Phillip Seymour Hoffman) - Rock journalist & mentor. T-o-03 (Steve Klein) whose vast experience as a professional journalist, editor and professor has guided my creative processes.

Dick Roswell (Noah Taylor) & Dennis Hope (Jimmy Fallon) - The band's managers who troubleshoot all. Vanderkitten's equivalent, Dave & Mark - the creative and entrepreneurial force behind Team Vanderkitten.

Russell Hammond (Billy Crudup) and Stillwater (Jason Lee, John Fedevich, and Mark Kozelek). Hammond, the incendiary lead guitarist fronted the group to stardom. Liz Hatch and Team Vanderkitten - the one woman gang has fronted Team Vanderkitten for 2007. She's shown remarkably well for not having any teammates. Her latest exploits include another victory in the Infineon Raceway Twilight Series, and a dominating display at the Chico Criterium where she not only won, but took home every single prime to boot [guess who's buying the beer].

Penny Lane (Kate Hudson) & the Band-Aids (Anna Paquin, Faruiza Balk, and Bijou Phillips) - The groupies who reinvent themselves into "aiding the band." Not really sure who the VK groupies or Manderkittens are, but they're probably already out there.

In the end, as in the movie, we may all be singing a revised rendition of Cover of the Rolling Stones.

WE TAKE ALL KINDS OF PILLS
TO GIVE US ALL KINDS OF THRILLS
BUT THE THRILL WE'VE NEVER KNOWN

IS THE THRILL THAT WILL GET YOU
WHEN YOU GET YOUR PICTURE
ON THE COVER OF THE VELONEWS