Joe Martin Stage Race ready for 2006

The 29th edition of the Joe Martin Stage Race (May 12-14) is on again in 2006, this year being a part of the NRC and USA Cycling's Lance Armstrong Junior Olympic Series (LAJORS).

Starting in Fayetteville, AR, there will be more than $50,000 in cash and merchandise on offer, attracting a high quality field in both the pro men and women's categories. Teams such as Colavita Cooking Light, Webcor and Victory Brewing will be present to continue what has been tight competition in both categories during 2006.

In the men's field, Jelly Belly will be bringing an experienced squad to compete against the likes of Toyota-United Pro, who have enjoyed a great start to the year, which looks set to get better. "The Joe Martin is an important stage race on the NRC calendar," said Toyota-United Pro team director Frankie Andreu, who will be bringing 2005 USPRO champion Chris Wherry to compete in a strong lineup. "It gives our riders an opportunity to get in a good stage race leading into June."

"It's just a good race," said Jelly Belly team director Danny Van Haute. "It's big points and we like to race in Arkansas. It's a good course and good preparation for the races in Philadelphia."

Riders can register for the Joe Martin Stage Race through Sportsbaseonline.com or through the SportsBaseOnline registration portal at www.joemartinstagerace.com. Most fields are limited to 100 riders. For more information, visit www.joemartinstagerace.com.