In a time when various sports are feeling the economic squeeze, US domestic team Ten Speed Drive Racing has found a way to adapt a sporting team to meet the demands of confronting financial issues. Be as 'green' as possible.
The formation of the Ten Speed Drive/Ellsworth Factory Cycling Team, formerly known as Colavita New Mexico presented by JNF Enterprises, will further emphasise its commitment to the environment and "Go Green and Kick the CO2 Habit". Central to the team's mission will be its efforts to minimise its environmental impact.
"We are dedicated to promoting cycling as a form of transportation and to further public awareness of everyday techniques – from transportation to energy consumption – the public can use to lessen their environmental footprints," said team director, John Freisen. "The bicycle should be an important part of any environmental solution – yet bike racing is extremely resource intensive," continued Freisen. "We're hoping to bridge that gap."
Team racers will commute by bike in their daily lives as often as practicable, minimise individuals' distance traveled or flown, use carbon offsets, eat locally and sustainability when traveling, and use durable products created by responsible companies. "The team is working closely with its sponsors to build a low-impact model," adds Freisen. "We're also learning from conscientious programs who have come before us, like Ben Turner's Clif Bar development cyclo-cross team."
The Ten Speed Drive/Ellsworth race calendar will feature many events in North America, including those on the National Road Calendar plus UCI events in Mexico and Canada.
Ten Speed Drive/Ellsworth's 2009 rider roster:
Josh Liberles (USA), Travis Burandt, (USA), Adam Carr, (USA), Leo Frayre, (Mex), Brian Husen, (Hon), Emiliano Jordan, (USA), Chris Keane (USA), Ronnie Strange, (USA), Christian Velasquez, (Hon), Garrett White, (USA), Jesus Zapata (Mex)
