Sayers transitions to 'cross with SterlingWins

Long-time road professional Mike Sayers is making the transition into cyclo-cross after retiring from the road after the Tour of Missouri this year. Sayers will be races as part of the team 'SterlingWins.com presented by Leopard Bikes', based in Northern California.

Team manager Matt McNamara is happy to usher Sayers into the sport. "I'm honored to have Mike on the team. His leadership and approachability will be great assets to our young team," said McNamara. In addition to Sayers, the team boasts several top tier athletes including multiple State Champion Liza Rachetto, promising juniors Matt Valencia and Anthony Delivannis, several speedy Masters and a quartet of Elite B riders looking to move up. The team's most inspirational member, Chris Carroll, received a heart transplant in 2002.

Sayers is looking forward to 'cross with the team. "It's going to be really nice to be a part of this program. I'm sure having fun is the name of the game." The team is focused on rider development through an innovative program that provides each rider with a personalized coaching program, weekly training rides, event and equipment support, and camaraderie. The team will focus on the Northern California calendar including the Bay Area Super Prestige Series, Central Coast and Sacramento Series, with a couple of National level events likely. The team will ride the brand new, 1100 gram, Carbon Fiber Leopard CX1 bike adorned with Ritchey WCS components, and SRAM drive trains.