Colavita/Sutter Home Women's Team signs powerhouse sprinters

The Colavita/Sutter Home Women's Cycling Team has re-signed Tina Pic, the #1 rider on the NRC circuit, who dominated the 2008 season with 12 individual victories and six podium finishes. Adding to its firepower for 2009, Colavita/Sutter Home has recruited Olympians Cath Cheatley and Rachel Heal plus USA Criterium Series Champion Kelly Benjamin.

Managing the team as director sportif will be Jamaican Olympian and veteran Colavita/Sutter Home cyclist Iona Wynter Parks, who retired from competition at the end of the 2008 season after nine years on the pro circuit, where she achieved numerous top-10 finishes in road racing and world rankings on the track.

"What excites me most about working with this squad is that the riders have proven themselves not only as athletes but also as team players," said Wynter Parks. "We've signed a great combination of accomplished North American sprinters and strong, savvy all-arounders. These women all recognize the importance of great teamwork, which we will use to our advantage in stage races and single-day events."

"We're looking forward to kicking off the year at the Amgen Tour of California," Wynter Parks continued. "Criteriums are our strength and we are highly motivated to race hard and well there."

The 2009 roster includes returning riders Tiffany Cromwell (Aus), Andrea Dvorak (USA), Shontell Gauthier (USA), Tina Pic (USA), and Nichole Wangsgard (USA). New signings include Erica Allar (USA), Kelly Benjamin (USA), Cath Cheatley (NZl), Rachel Heal (GBr), Heather Logan (Can), and Stacy Marple (USA).