Andreu, BMC to support women's Proman squad for Philly

The up and coming women's elite team Proman Racing has signed on two new partners for Sunday's Liberty Classic and next week's Nature Valley Grand Prix. Swiss bicycle manufacturer BMC has pledged its support to the California team, and former US Postal director Frankie Andreu has signed on to act as directeur sportif for the races.

The team features track rider Shelley Olds, who has been stepping onto podiums all spring and is a dark horse for a top showing in Sunday's Liberty Classic. Olds placed second in the Tulsa Tough criterium and Sea Otter circuit races, and has been honing her sprinting form on the UCI Track World Cup circuit this winter.

"In 2007 we were a young green team, with a stronger roster this time around and lots of racing under our belt we could spring some surprises" commented Olds.

The team also includes cyclo-cross and mountain bike standout Rachel Lloyd, Betina Hold, Megan Guarnier, Melodie Metzger, Virginia Perkins and Kristin and Helene Drumm.

"They have a great roster for these events, and as they continue to gain experience, they will gain on the world's elite," explained Andreu. "I'm sure I will learn from the team a side of cycling I don't know much about. In return, I hope to give them the knowledge I have gained during my years racing as a professional."

Team manager Nicola Cranmer explained the choice of Andreu to lead the team. "Apart from his vast experience as a professional racer, the media love Frankie, any way I can draw attention to women's cycling is a good thing. For our team it's not just about getting on the podium it's also necessary to apply energy to the broader vision of women's racing which is struggling."