Women's development foundation created

The AE Sport Development Foundation has been created by American Espoir, operator of the 2006 CPT-Colnago Professional women’s team, with the goals of providing development opportunities and assistance to women in cycling. The foundation will provide resources and guidance for women identified as Olympic and world-championship talents.

Seven to eight athletes will be selected for the 2007 program scholarship, and the foundation will provide guidance and training within the Performance Enhancement Team (PET) model, which uses an assortment of experts within the fields of sport psychology, physiology, medicine, and nutrition to overcome obstacles and maximize each athlete’s growth toward their potential.

A significant portion of the nonprofit organization’s budget comes from public sport grants and private funding, which ensures the longevity of the program. AE Sport Development board director Chris Wentz said, “The development program is something I and the other partners are very proud of because it provides long-term support for riders. Women have brought home many medals at World Championships, and, in my opinion, many corporate sponsors are dismissing their wide audience and wholesome character. This program will work with athletes over several years, and because of that stability I see only success for the Foundation’s goals.”