Sheppard auctions bike to support juniors for worlds

Chris Sheppard (Santa Cruz / CMG Mortgage) will be auctioning one of his Santa Cruz Stigmata 'cross bikes to raise funds to help two junior cyclo-cross racers make the trip to the 2008 World Championships, in Treviso, Italy, on January 26-27. The sport's non-Olympic status means funding, especially for juniors is often tight.

"I won the '91 junior Canadian cross country championships which entitled me to a position on the National Team. If it were not for two generous mountain biking lawyers [Frank Quinn and Russ Candari] I would not have been given an opportunity to chase my dream," said a grateful Sheppard. The completely built 1300g Stigmata frame will be auctioned on E-bay. The winner will also receive a Giro kit consisting of a Pneumo helmet, two bib shorts and jerseys.