Landing on her feet: Marks Marino signs with Titus/Kenda for 2006

When the Ford Cycling team reorganised a few months ago, 2005 Snowmass Short Track winner Dara Marks Marino was left with what she says seemed like a daunting lack of sponsorship. But, she says in the following press release, she has been overwhelmed with support from the friends she's made in the industry and in just a few short weeks has been able to put together a successful freelance spnsorship group that will allow her to do what she loves to do; race her mountain bike.

Dara Marks Marino has renewed her partnership with Titus Cycles, her original bike sponsor from 2001 and 2002. After her most successful season to date (including one national win and four second places), Marks Marino will return to a grassroots effort with support from the industry's finest companies. Said Marks Marino, "Reconnecting with Titus is like coming full circle for me. The amount of support that I have received from the industry is staggering."

"It is great to have Dara back on Titus. She is an incredible athlete and great representative for our sport," said Chris Cocalis, founder and president of Titus Cycles. "We feel that having Dara on Titus bikes will take her to the highest level of success in professional racing. We are truly excited to have Dara representing Titus in 2006!"

Kenda tires will join Titus as Marks Marino's title sponsor. Sram, DT Swiss, Crank Brothers, Zeal Optics, and Athlete Octane will all be contributing to her program. Specialized will also continue their support of Marks Marino by providing helmets, shoes, and gloves.

Marks Marino will focus on the mountain bike National Championships, NORBA series, Sea Otter, and North American World Cups, with Redlands and other road races rounding out her schedule. Marks Marino will also maintain her role as a community bicycle advocate and mentor to aspiring mountain bikers. She continues to be a writer/rider by launching a new website, www.DaraMarksMarino.com. Along with blogging, the site will be a place for others to ask questions and get answers, learn more about training and racing, link to her sponsors, and contact her.