TIAA-CREF headed to Etoile des Bessèges

U.S. development team TIAA-CREF will participate in the 2006 Etoile des Bessèges and GP Marseilles. GP Marseilles is the 2006 French season opener and will be the first time Team TIAA-CREF hits the road this year. Among those racing for Team TIAA-CREF are former Espoir Time Trial World Champion Danny Pate and current Canadian Professional Road Champion, Francois Parisien.

"Garnering invitations for both of these races is a huge step up for Team TIAA-CREF and we are looking forward to honouring these events by being the aggressive underdog," said team director Jonathan Vaughters.

Brand new European director Johnny Weltz also feels confident after watching the neophyte team train for two weeks in Silver City, NM. "It's amazing how much hard work these guys have been able to do at such high altitude." says Weltz, referring to Silver City's 7,000 foot elevation. "It's been fun working with such young and enthusiastic athletes and I think we will hit the ground running."

Team roster: Craig Lewis, Francois Parisien, Tom Peterson, Dan Bowman, Mike Lange, Stu Gillespie, Timmy Duggan, Ian MacGregor, Danny Pate