Fresh off a 2006 season, which saw the Vancouver-based Team Trek Red Truck Racing rejuvenated with an influx of new talent, the 2007 version of the Team got together at the end of October to start the new season with a weekend's worth of great training and team-building.
The 2007 version of the team has grown significantly, with a greater emphasis on developing British Columbia's talented next generation of riders. There is a strong group of seven espoir-age riders and three promising women supported by a network of experienced riders including Pan-Am Games medallist and lead coach Sara Neil.
Team Trek Red Truck Racing aims to be on the key development programs in Western Canada. "In the past, riders like Svein Tuft and Cam Evans have come through the ranks of our team and gone on to National Championships and international success," said Team Director Steve Engh. "With renewed enthusiasm and the generous support our sponsors, we'll be able to support and help develop promising BC riders over the next several years."
The Espoir Men's Roster includes last year's BC breakout rider Jackson Buehler, who finished third at the Tour de White Rock road race as an 18 year-old first-year senior; Jeff Castenmiller, the 2006 junior BC time trial champion, and Ryan Anderson, who had a successful first year as a senior following his silver medal in the road race as a junior at the 2005 national championships.
Joining them on the Espoir Roster are Nathan MacDonald, Dave Vukets, Garth White and Josh James.
In 2006, two riders from Trek Red Truck Racing spent a month in France racing with an amateur team in Brittany. This year, plans are underway to provide more opportunities for the espoirs to race in Europe, at the same time, the goal is also to bring young French riders here to ride with Trek Red Truck for part of the season.
There's also an effort underway to help develop some of the women's talent in British Columbia. To that end, Lisa Tasa who signed on with Trek Red Truck late last year is joined by Corinne Issel, Courtney Albert and Fiona McLeod, all of whom have shown great potential and results racing in British Columbia over the last two years.
"We've got a full winter of preparation planned including training camps and we're looking forward to a great 2007 for Trek Red Truck Racing," concluded Engh.
