Cheerwine announces 2008 roster

The Cheerwine Women's Professional Cycling Team (USA) returns to racing with a strong lineup and a full calendar for 2008. Returning riders include Laura Van Gilder, the 2008 Women's NRC and USA Crits Series champion, Kelly Benjamin, winner of SuperWeek in 2006 and 2007, Catherine Cheatley of New Zealand, the 2007 Bronze Medalist in the Worlds Points Race, Leigh Hobson of Canada, 2nd Overall and QOM in the 2007 New Zealand UCI Trust House Tour and Sarah Bamberger of San Francisco, a member of Cheerwine's winning 2007 USA Crits Series team.

New 2008 members include Anne Samplonius of Canada, the current Canadian National and Pam American Time Trial champion, Stacy Marple, winner of the 2006 Bermuda Grand Prix, Marisa Asplund-Owens, stage winner in the 2007 Tour of Gila, Robin Farina, winner of the 2007 Mengoni Gran Prix, Allyson Brandt, winner of Most Laps Led in the 2007 USA Crits Series and Tashony Noplos, a young rider that is set to surprise many in 2008.

"I am very pleased with the quality of our roster for 2008 both on athletic ability and on the outstanding character of each athlete," commented team owner and founder Anne Bolyea. "Along with our management, staff and sponsors I feel we have great balance going into the 2008 season."

In 2007, the team had 22 wins in NRC races, as well as 34 podium placings. Add to that 11 wins in non NRC events such as The Indio Grad Prix, The Bermuda Grand Prix and the Overall Team win USA Crits Series, Cheerwine had a solid 2007 season.

"I would like to say thank you to all of the girls that made up our 2007 roster as well as to our staff and sponsors for making it a special year," said Team Director Thad Fischer. "Each one of our athletes made solid contributions to our success. We have structured our 2008 program with that in mind and I am very pleased to announce that Jame Carney will be joining us in 2008 as Competition Director. We welcome him to the programme."

Cheerwine Women's Professional Cycling Team will contest the entire 2008 NRC Calendar. The team has three weeks of training camps and starts the race season in Santa Rosa, CA on February 18.