Team OUCH p/b Maxxis
If there’s one team who could be called the New York Yankees of American Cycling, it’s OUCH. Ever since the team’s inception, they’ve fielded one of the top teams at the Nature Valley Grand Prix.
For the team formerly known as HealthNet, 2007 was a year of frustration for the country's top ranked team. Although they won five of the six stages, the yellow jersey alluded them. They came storming back in 2008, winning three of five stages and taking the top two podium spots overall.
Rory Sutherland, ranked #1 in the country in 2008, is our defending champion.
www.teamouch.com
Bissell Pro Cycling
The Bissell Pro Cycling Team added a new title sponsor and some serious firepower in 2008. The Bissell Vacuum Cleaner company had been a big sponsor of Lance Armstrong's Discovery Channel team, but chose to stay in the sport when “Disco” folded. They are now the title sponsor of what was the Priority Health team.
Already a Team to Watch, with riders like 2004 Nature Valley GP champion Ben Jacques-Maines, Bissell recruited a number of strong new riders for 2009. The most notable addition is star sprinter Kirk O’Bee, a former HealthNet rider who’s won four stages in the past two years at the Nature Valley GP.
Bissell is currently the #1 ranked men’s team in the US.
www.bissellprocycling.com
Colavita / Sutter Home
One of the three U.S. pro teams that fields both a men’s and a women’s squads, Colavita- Sutter Home is surprising a lot of people this year. After a radical re-do of their roster in 2008, they were flying high and are finished the 2008 ranked 2nd in the US. They’re currently in third.
Colavita has one of the most international rosters in the US pro peloton. Their director is from Argentina, as are four of their riders. They’re joined by two Italians, a Cuban and five Americans.
www.teamcolavita.com
Jelly Belly
One of the most popular teams on the U.S. pro circuit, Jelly Belly is known for their aggressive riding and fan-friendly demeanor. Their easy-to-spot jelly bean jerseys and free sweets make them a fan favorite as well. Jelly Belly sees themselves as the upstart team, which can surprise the bigger teams with frequent attacks and bold sprints.
Expect Jelly Belly to target the Sports Beans King of the Hills competition, sponsored by their own sponsor, the Jelly Belly Candy Company. They’ve claimed this jersey for the past two years, most recently by Nick Reistad who, at 170 lbs, is an unlikely climber but is well suited to the short, steep power climbs that you’ll find in the Nature Valley Grand Prix.
www.jellybellycycling.com
Team Type 1
This team is on a mission. Founded by a racer with type 1 diabetes, Team Type 1 has four type 1 diabetics on their team roster. While many people talk about how diabetics can overcome their condition to live normal lifestyles, Team Type 1 lets their wheels do the talking. Team Type 1 joined Colavita and Columbia-High Road when they added a women’s team in 2009. Both Team Type 1 squads will attend the Nature Valley Grand Prix.
www.teamtype1.org
Mountain Khakis p/b EP-NO
Team Mountain Khakis gives young riders a chance to become career professional bike racers by pairing them with experienced riders. Riders on this squad range from 19 year old Andy Baker to “old man” Tom Soladay, age 25. They also have a strong “Ride Clean” message, exemplified by their presenting sponsor, EP-NO.
www.teammountainkhakis.com
Land Rover - ORBEA
Closely associated with the Lance Armstrong Foundation, Land Rover-ORBEA is one of two new pro teams in the United States. This upstart team turned a lot of heads when Roman van Uden won a stage in the Tour of the Gila, beating Lance Armstrong among many other pro riders. Look for this team and their LiveStrong wristbands in our Athlete Village and at the finishing line.
www.landrover-orbea.org
Kenda Pro Cycling p/b Spinergy
Kenda Pro Cycling is another “new” team, but they’re the pro incarnation of the Inferno Racing amateur team. As an amateur team, their highlights included winning the prestigious Athens Twilight criterium in 2007, beating many pro teams. The smart money has it that this “new” pro team will continue its winning ways.
www.kendaprocycling.com
Amore e Vita p/b LifeTime Fitness Velo Vie
This Italian team has a local presenting sponsor in Lifetime Fitness. Led by the fiery and sometimes controversial Roberto “Gag” Gaggioli, the team boasts an international roster.
One of the team’s US riders, Chad Gerlach, is a former teammate of Lance Armstrong on the US Postal Service, who left cycling in 2002 and lived for years homeless on the streets of Sacramento. He’s on the road to recovery and his dramatic story was chronicled in the A&E Network show Intervension.
www.amoreevita-mcdonalds.it
Nature Valley
Nature Valley is offering amateur racers the chance at the full pro experience. Regional races across the country selected top amateur racers to live out their dreams of racing in the big leagues at the Nature Valley Grand Prix.
These riders face the challenges of one of the hardest stage races in the country, but are also challenged by never having met their teammates and coaches. They’ll be watched to by the pro team managers and, if they race well, could achieve their lifetime goals of getting a pro team contracts.
www.NatureValleyProRide.com