Team Specialized Designs for Women stops

Team Specialized Designs for Women is ceasing operations at the end of the year, the team announced Monday evening. The team cited financial problems and the sport's image problems as causes.

"A step forward was planned for the future. The goal was to firmly establish the team among the world's best," a team press release said. "Unfortunately, the team management was not able to find the necessary financial resources in the time available."

"The current Swiss economic situation in general and the damaged image of cycling in specific made the search for new supporters more difficult," it continued. "For this reason, the team will stop at the end of the season."

The team had operated under various names for seven years. It had its greatest successes this year with the win of a World Cup race in Italy in March and Emma Pooley's silver medal in the time trial at the Beijing Olympic Games in August. (SW)