Colavita/Cooking Light women's team heads to UCI's top tier

Vvying for the number 1 ranking in the U.S., the Colavita/Cooking Light Women's Cycling Team will enter the 2007 racing season as a registered UCI team, according to director Jim Williams of Team Sports, Inc.

So far, the Colavita/Cooking Light women's team will be the only UCI-registered women's squad based out of the U.S. next season, as the women's T-Mobile squad will move its headquarters to Germany, merging with the men's team. Colavita/Cooking Light plans to add a number international races to its racing calendar for next year, including the Giro del Trentino Femminile and Giro d'Italia Donne [women's Giro d'Italia].

"We're proud of the UCI registration, as it offers us the opportunity to compete at a world-class level," said Williams. "We are particularly excited about the prospect of racing in the Giro d'Italia Donne because of the Italian heritage of our co-title sponsor, Colavita USA."

One of the most important races on the women's racing calendar, the 10-stage, 900-kilometre Giro d'Italia Donne attracts the some of most accomplished riders from the top UCI squads, as well as major national teams throughout the world.

"The entire Colavita family in Molise will be on hand to cheer for the team colours," said John Profaci, Vice President of Marketing for Colavita USA. Added Chris Allen, Vice President and Publisher of co-title sponsor CookingLight, "We're honoured that the Colavita/ Cooking Light Women's Cycling Team will represent us at two of the most important sporting events in Italy."

The Colavita/Cooking Light Women's Cycling Team is finalising its roster for the 2007 season. Riders and a preliminary racing schedule will be announced in September.