As the 2009 racing season approaches I wanted to let you know about some very exciting things happening with the team.  One of the most exciting things is that we are still here.  The economy has had an extreme impact on the cycling scene and has seen several of the top teams in the country have to close up shop and dissolve their team before the season has even started. 

On a lighter note, the roster is now full and the team has taken shape into what looks like a dream team for 2009.  I'm not going to reveal the full roster yet (I will wait for official press release) but I will confirm that we have signed Laura Van Gilder and the 2008 Athens Twilight Criterium Champion Rebecca Larson.  We have a total of 8 women who will all compliment each other in such a way that I am confident 2009 will be a record breaking season.

Since the economy is how it is right now the team is going to go about some different ways of raising sponsorship dollars throughout the season.  The first item we are going to offer is a 24"x36" poster mounted on foam board (see picture at right).  For all donations of $250 or more you will receive one these to proudly display in either your home or office to show your support for our team.  If you are interested in purchasing one of these posters please respond to this email and we can coordinate payment and shipping.  All money received will go directly to help the team fulfill their goals for 2009.

We are going to be holding our training camp in early March here in Greenville, SC.  Anyone who wants is welcome to come ride with the team.  Again, if you are interested in attending this please contact me asap to make arrangements.

That's all for now.  Watch for the official team press release to come out soon.

Thank you for all your support.  You are what truly make the team happen.

Bill Short
Team Director
Juice Plus+ Women's Pro Cycling Team presented by: Van Dessel

Laura Van Gilder is pleased to bring her seasoned experience to Team Juice Plus in 2009. The Poconos Mountain native rode for the Cheerwine Women's Professional team in 2007 and 2008. However, when the team dismantled, dead end negotiations with alternative teams left the sprinter in suspense as to which banner she would compete under next year.

She has more than 300 career victories under her belt racing for professional teams Trek, Saturn and Lipton and she hopes to bring ample success to the young team from San Marcos, California. "I'm really happy with Juice Plus," Van Gilder said. "I want to race my bike and whatever program I'm with I want to help them grow. I do my best. I'm happy with the racing schedule that Juice Plus is organizing. The races they are offering are exactly what I was looking for."

According to Van Gilder, finding a new team after Cheerwine folded was not an easy task this fall, given the tough economic times that much of the cycling world is experiencing. "I had no other offers this year," Van Gilder said. "It's very sad and disappointing. I was asking teams to make me an offer because I understand the economy isn't great right now, but nothing came up."

Despite financial hardships, signing a top-notch rider like Van Gilder means that team owner, Bill Short will be taking the squad to the next level. The squad will step up to compete in the majority of events on the North American Race Calendar (NRC). They will also participate in the MS150 events across the United States to help raise money for Multiple Sclerosis, discussing the benefits of healthy living through Juice Plus nutritional supplements.

"Obviously signing a rider like Laura Van Gilder to any team is sure to help that team step it up a notch or two," Short said. "With Juice Plus having a successful 2008 season, I wanted to do something that would help us achieve our goal to grow as a team and win more races. When I found out Laura was still without a team for 2009 I was on the phone with her in minutes. The team is now built around Laura with some very experienced riders and some up and coming riders. She brings such a wealth of knowledge and experience to the team that will be invaluable to help us win races, promote our sponsors and help the sport of women's cycling grow."

Van Gilder is prominently known for her winning 250 meter kick. However, much of her success can be attributed to sustained efforts in lengthy breakaways and tactical smarts from 13 years of race experience for some of the most well-known teams in the nation. "I think that Laura is one of the most talented riders that I have seen in 24 years of racing and I am very excited to have her be a part of our program," Short continued. "I look forward to a great season with her and the whole team."

A complete Team Juice Plus roster and a full list of sponsors will be finalized and announced soon.

Subject: Race in Asheville, NC

Hello everyone.  Rachel and Amity raced this past weekend in Asheville, NC.  This was kind of a last min race since the promoter did a horrible job of advertising. 

The course was mostly uphill with a fast decent leading into the final corner, Rachel and Amity were sure to love this course.  As the riders lined up we saw that Tibco, Cheerwine, Advil Chapstick and Vanderkitten all had riders here.  The race started out really fast with Amity all over the front.  As the group started to break apart on the hill Rachel came sprinting to the front and attacked.  This then set the tempo for the rest of the race. 

About halfway through the race there was a crash that involved a Tibco and Cheerwine rider.  This caused a small group off the front that included Amity and it also caused Rachel to slow down and get gapped.  Now the problems start.  As team manager Bill Short is standing in the pit he realizes that nobody is coming in for their free lap.  (the rule is that if you crash during a race, you get a free lap).  Four laps later here comes the Tibco and Cheerwine riders.  The officials put them back in the race in the front group with Amity and said that they were going to be on the same lap.  Right away the Tibco rider attacked and went solo.  The race announcer then starts to talk about how easy she is making it look.  OF COURSE SHE IS MAKING IT LOOK EASY......SHE SAT OUT THE LAST 4 LAPS.

Team web site:  http://www.juicepluselitecycling.com