We are proud to announce the newly formed “Cycle U – PopCap Cyclocross Team” for the 2011 cyclocross season.
The new team is comprised of Category 1 & 2 racers from Washington State who will be focused on the Seattle Cyclo-cross Series, the M.F.G. Series, Washington State Championships, and other Northwest races, including the National Championships in Madison, Wisconsin, and the Masters World Championships in Louisville, Kentucky. Currently the team has a Pro/Elite Women’s squad that includes; Kristi Berg, Melanie Lewis, and Kristen Kelsey (currently expecting a 2nd child) as well as a Master Men’s squad that includes; Sean Kelsey, and Chad Berg. The team will be looking to expand by adding an additional Masters rider and three Pro/Elite Men riders between now and next season.
The nine rider team will be supported by team mechanic, Justin Claasen, of Cycle University and several family members that work as souigneurs/support at the races. The team is directed by Chad “Papa” Berg who has previously managed such teams as Bicycle Centers Racing and the JF2 Racing program. “I’m really excited how this has all come together over the last six months”, stated Berg. “These riders have not only been selected by their abilities and results, but because they continue to play the role of ambassador to the sport, especially here in the Northwest where it’s so strong. These riders carry themselves very professionally on and off of the race course, and I look forward to providing them with reciprocating support that I believe they have earned. It will be fun doing that.”
Cycle University shares title sponsorship of the team and considers the team its “Varsity” cyclo-cross squad. Cycle University will be supporting the team through its years of experience and extensive knowledge of sport science: kinesiology, nutrition, biomechanics, sport psychology, periodization, training with power, and more. Their advanced training methods are boiled down to simple, usable tools for the everyday athlete, yet refined and state of the art to benefit the highest level, elite racers. Cycle University provides the team with coaching services, and technical support with Specialized bicycles.
PopCap comes in as the teams other co-title sponsor and financial backer. PopCap Games is an American video game developer and publisher, based in Seattle. It was founded in 2000, and currently employs about 400 people. Most of Popcap’s games can be played free in a limited format, with the full version available for a fee. PopCap’s flagship title Bejeweled, has sold more than 50 million units across all major platforms. PopCap games are available for Web, PC and Mac, Nintendo DS, Nintendo Dsi, Wii, Xbox, Xbox 360, Play Station 3, Zeebo, Cell Phones, PDAs, iPod Classic, iPhone, iPod Touch, and iPad as well as the Android operating system. Pop Cap has graciously come on board to provide these elite riders with team clothing, race fees, team area logistics, and a 10′ race trailer to get it there and give the Cycle U – PopCap riders a place to get out of the weather, store gear, and change clothes.
Along with Cycle U and PopCap, the team is also supported by the following sponsors; Specialized bicycles, Shimano, PRO Components, Tifosi Optics, and Cycle-Ops Trainers/Power meters.
You can keep up with the Cycle U – PopCap Cyclo-cross Team by becoming a follower on the team blog/website. Visit us at: www.cycleuvarsitycx.blogspot.com
