Lip Smacker's women squad launched

Professional women's squad Lip Smacker has announced its roster for 2009. The roster is led by Canadian Anne Smplonius, who is joined by riders from North America, South Africa and New Zealand.

The squad is an evolution of the America's Dairyland team from 2008, and will again be directed by Melissa Thompson. "I spent the last year directing the pro development squad America's Dairyland and as an elite coach and the experience gave me a sense of what type of riders we needed to build a winning team," said Thompson.

The team will ride Specialized road and time trial bikes during this year's National Racing Calendar in the United States of America. Lip Smacker was a partner of the America's Dairyland squad last year, before increasing its involvement for this year.

"The Lip Smacker brand and the Bonne Bell Company have a long history of supporting women's sports" said Buddy Bell, chief executive office of The Bonne Bell Company. "We are proud to sponsor the 2009 cycling team and are pleased to promote and be part of the world of women's bike racing."

Lip Smacker 2009 roster: Anne Samplonius, Carla Swart, Toni Bradshaw, Amanda Miller, Kate Ross, Anna Young, Hillary Billington and Kacey Manderfield.

(Additional editorial assistance by Susan Westemeyer.)