Juniors benefit from auction

Santa Cruz bicycles announced the beneficiaries of its December charity auction this week, naming Edmonton, Alberta native David Larson (Juventus Cycling Club) and Gavin Mannion (Hot Tubes) of Dedham, Massachusetts as recipients of aid to help fun their trip to the Cyclo-cross World Championships in Treviso, Italy, January 26-27.

"Chris Sheppard's bike auction and subsequent funding assistance to an American junior rider for the 2008 World Cyclo-cross Championships is a tremendously sporting gesture. Worthy recipient, Gavin Mannion, will benefit directly from the support in his quest for a good result at worlds," said Geoff Proctor, USGP Technical Director and US National Team Coach. "My thanks and appreciation go out to Chris and his sponsors for their time and effort to help young riders achieve international results."

2008 Canadian National Champion, David Larson will join fellow Canadian athletes in Europe next week. "I feel very lucky and happy to represent Canada. As a benefactor of your auction, I hope one day to be in a position to pay it forward," beamed David.

US National criterium champion, Gavin Mannion has already tallied top five results while attending the US National Team training camp in Belgium. Gavin stated that, "The auction has helped me travel to Europe early and have the best possible preparation for World's. Thank you so much to all those involved!"

"We truly appreciate the generous bid made by auction winner, Brian Mckie of San Jose," noted Sheppard. Mckie received Chris' complete Stigmata pit-bike plus two Giro kits, and a Giro Pneumo helmet.