TEAm Lipton to contest the Geelong Aussie experience

Thomas Liese is a name very well known to Australian cyclists. Thomas not only rode for several European professional teams (Nürnberger, Coast, Bianchi), including the 2003 Tour de France, Thomas also contested six Commonwealth Bank Cycle Classics (for the Bosch team), and was a noted performer in the 2004 Herald SunTour in Victoria. The German is now the manager of the leading US based road cycling team, TEAm Lipton, containing the world individual time trial champion, Kristin Armstrong.

TEAm Lipton is keen to expand its racing program and has its sights set on contesting some international races, starting with the Geelong Womens Tour (February 27 to March 1), followed by the first round of the womens world cup on March 4.

"TEAm Lipton had more than 40 victories in NRC events in 2006 including national road and individual time trial champion, but to remain competitive we need to expand into a more international program," said Liese. "A short acclimatization camp on the Sunshine Coast near Noosa would be an ideal lead-in to contest the Geelong series but coming down under is always an expensive affair and without additional assistance it won't be realistic to bring TEAm Lipton in 2007 to my favourite country and its sport loving people.

"It is very good to know that personal contacts to very supportive Aussie friends, which I have created during my career, are still lasting," finished Liese.