On the heels of its recent commitment to support grass roots road events in North America, SRAM will debut its new professional level racing technology both on the 2006 European and North American continental race calendars. Two exclusive teams will represent SRAM in this launch, and while the European team will be revealed in early 2006, the U.S. team supported by SRAM will be the Kodakgallery.com/Sierra Nevada team, based in Northern California, USA.
The 12-member squad will be SRAM’s sole U.S.-based road team with a multi-year agreement that begins in 2006. The team’s focus will be on all major events of the pro calendar including the Amgen Tour of California, Sea Otter Classic, Tour de Georgia, Philadelphia International Championships, and the US National Championship events.
SRAM’s recently revealed DoubleTap shift technology will lead the list of the SRAM group components mounted onto Kodakgallery.com/Sierra Nevada’s custom race bikes. "I think the form, function, and quality of this componentry is going to shake up the industry in setting the new benchmark in road technology as well give us more opportunities to win," said 1990 USPRO Champion, former SRAM test pilot, and Kodakgallery.com/Sierra Nevada Operations Manager Kurt Stockton.
SRAM’s On the Road Manager, Alex Wassmann added, "We wanted to align with the high level of enthusiasm and passion this program demonstrates, plus we’ve had a really productive history with Kurt. These guys are a great mix of dyed in the wool pros with an intense desire to win. We’ll count on them for critical feedback as well as setting the tone for SRAM’s ambitions on the road."
Of special note, Kodakgallery.com/Sierra Nevada athletes will join a host of international SRAM sponsored athletes in promoting World Bicycle Relief (WBR). In addition to spokesman duties, riders will don the WBR logo on their team jersey. WBR is raising $1.5 million dollars that will go towards supplying 25,000 bikes to victims of the Tsunami that struck the coast of Sri Lanka on Dec. 26, 2004.
To find out more on the World Bicycle Relief, go to www.worldbicyclerelief.org.
