California Giant/Specialized sets roster for 2009

After the California Giant Cycling Team celebrated a successful 2008 season with two national championship titles and over 70 podium appearances, the team announced its roster for 2009. California Giant Berry Farms, one of America's largest grower-shippers of fresh berries, has sponsored a cycling team for over eight years and said it is committed to "supporting cycling and other organizations that send positive messages about the importance of combining diet and exercise as part of a healthy lifestyle".

New to the team for 2009 will be Jared Barrilleaux from Jittery Joes, Justin England from Toyota-United, and U23 Adam Switters from Rock Racing. They will join team veterans including James Mattis, 2008 Elite Road National Champion Patrick Briggs, John Hunt, two-time Olympian Dirk Copeland, and top US triathlete Chris Lieto. Also new in 2009 will be a U23 development squad.

Three of the team's members have moved up to professional teams for 2009 including Andy Jacques-Maynes, who heads to Bissell Pro Cycling, Ken Hanson, who heads to Team Type 1, and Max Jenkins who moves to the Danish team Glud & Marstrand Horsens.

In January team members and sponsors will gather at the Pajaro Dunes Resort in Watsonville, California, for a training camp and to finalize the race programs for individual riders. Team members will also tour California Giant corporate offices and meet the staff.

Team California Giant / Specialized for 2009
Elite men: Jared Barrilleaux, Jesse Moore, Patrick Briggs, Ozzie Olmos, Dirk Copeland, Steve Reaney, Tyler Dibble, Mark Santurbane, Justin England, Adam Switters*, John Hunt, Mike Telega, Chris Lieto, James Mattis, Keith Miller
U-23 Development Squad: Nick Agate*, Julian Martinez*, Chance Noble*, Reid Pletcher*
*denotes U-23