BOULDER, Colo. & TEMPE, Ariz, Jan. 30, 2012 – Team Chipotle, the Continental development cycling squad owned and managed by Slipstream Sports, today announced that it will become Team Chipotle-First Solar with the addition of First Solar, (NASDAQ: FSLR, www.firstsolar.com), one of the world’s largest solar companies, as a co-title sponsor. The team will make its season debut Feb. 10 through Feb. 12 at the 2012 Valley of the Sun race in Phoenix, Ariz.

Arizona-based First Solar is the world’s largest manufacturer of thin-film solar modules and designs and builds complete photovoltaic (PV) power plants for customers in many countries — including the two largest PV projects in the world, which are currently under construction. The company is committed to sustainability and created the solar industry’s first prefunded collection and recycling program.

“Our sponsorship of the Chipotle-First Solar team is part of our broader commitment to a cleaner, healthier environment. Cycling is a sport with global appeal that promotes hard work, competition and excellence, values we share,” said Ted Meyer, First Solar’s Vice President of Global Corporate Communications. “We are proud to support a team that is dedicated to cultivating the next generation of global cycling champions and look forward to a great relationship with the world’s top development squad.”

Owned and managed by Slipstream Sports, the development program has been grooming the next generation of cycling champions since its inception in 2003. Today, Team Chipotle-First Solar is the most successful development team in the United States and works as a feeder team for pro team Garmin-Barracuda.

“We are thrilled that First Solar has chosen to partner with us. It’s very exciting to have a company of this caliber support our team as we continue to pursue our goals of developing the next generation of cycling champions,” said Chann McRae, Director Sportif, Team Chipotle-First Solar. “The Chipotle-First Solar boys are set for an exciting year. We’re proud to have a roster featuring some of the finest U23 talent in the world. Our sprinters are eager for the closing kilometers, and the climbers are excited for high mountain selections. We kicked off the season with a training camp in Wimberley, Texas, and we’ll race all the way through the World Championships in Limburg, Netherlands on September 23rd. We hope to give our fans many reasons to cheer in 2012.”

“When I started this organization, my dream was to foster an environment where young riders could flourish,” said Jonathan Vaughters, CEO of Slipstream Sports. “I am proud to continue that mission and to welcome First Solar – a company that shares our vision of fostering the next generation – to the Continental team. Like Chipotle, First Solar is dedicated to creating a better, healthier, and sustainable future.”

Team Chipotle-First Solar today unveiled the 2012 jersey from technical clothing supplier Castelli, which continues to make sure the team has the right clothing for the season – whether racing or training.

Slipstream Sports, dedicated to ethical sport and developing the next generation of cycling champions, began in 2003 as a development team for young riders and continues that mission today with a three-pronged approach of managing junior, continental, and pro teams.

“Partnering with First Solar from a business perspective is very exciting,” said Matt Johnson, President of Slipstream Sports. “They are a huge global company and the team is competing in locations where some of their most important projects are underway, so we will be bringing their message straight to the communities and markets most important to them.”

About First Solar, Inc.

First Solar manufactures solar modules with an advanced semiconductor technology, and is a premier provider of comprehensive photovoltaic (PV) system solutions. The company is delivering an economically viable alternative to fossil-fuel generation today. From raw material sourcing through end-of-life collection and recycling, First Solar is focused on creating value-driven renewable energy solutions that protect and enhance the environment. For more information about First Solar, please visit www.firstsolar.com.

For First Solar Investors

This release contains forward-looking statements which are made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. The forward-looking statements in this release do not constitute guarantees of future performance. Those statements involve a number of factors that could cause actual results to differ materially, including risks associated with the company’s business involving the company’s products, their development and distribution, economic and competitive factors and the company’s key strategic relationships and other risks detailed in the company’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. First Solar assumes no obligation to update any forward-looking information contained in this press release or with respect to the announcements described herein.

Team Chipotle-First Solar Contact:
Marya Pongrace
Marya.pongrace@slipstreamsports.com
347-698-3412

First Solar Contact:
Melanie Friedman
media@firstsolar.com
602-384-9535

“We are pleased to partner with AA Drink / Leontien.nl,” said Jonathan Vaughters. “Michael Zilaard has built a strong organization and we are excited to work with him to combine our strengths. The 2012 team looks strong and we believe it will be a great year ahead.”

“We are excited to work with Slipstream Sports and to add group of outstanding riders. Looking ahead to the big events in 2012, I am convinced that we will be competitive on all fronts, from the Olympic Games to the World Championships to the Tour of Italy,” said team manager Michael Zijlaard, AA Drink/Leontien.nl. “Superstars Emma Pooley and Lizzie Armistead add huge firepower to an already strong team and we are excited to start the season.”

2012 AA Drink/Leontien.nl Cycling Team Roster:
Elizabeth Armitstead (UK)
Chantal Blaak (NL)
Lucinda Brand (NL)
Jessie Daams (BEL)
Sharon Laws (UK)
Lucy Martin (UK)
Shelley Olds (USA)
Madelene Olsson (SWE)
Emma Pooley (UK)
Carla Ryan (AUS)
Isabelle Söderberg (SWE)
Marijn de Vries (NL)
Marieke van Wanroij (NL)
Kirsten Wild (NL)

Slipstream Sports media contact:
Marya Pongrace
Director of Communications
Slipstream Sports, LLC
347-698-3412
marya.pongrace@slipstreamsports.com

SONOMA, CA (January 18, 2012) – For the third year, the Echelon Gran Fondo is back in the wine country announcing a new start/finish in Sonoma, just 21 miles from the start of the Amgen Tour of California (ATOC). In honor of Sonoma Valley Hospital and Charity of Choice, Team Garmin-Barracuda will support the event including passing near the start of the Amgen Tour of California (ATOC) that begins in Santa Rosa the next day.

The Gran Fondo will start at 9 AM on May 12, 2012 with 11 (super mini kids fondo), 50 and 75 mile ride options that include parts of the Napa Valley. “We are really excited about having Team Garmin-Barracuda team support the event this year as well as our Sonoma start,” said Echelon’s event director, Michael Sexton. “The new course is outstanding and includes northern parts of Napa Valley that we could not get to last year such as the Dry Creek, Mt Veeder and Trinity grade.”

The Garmin-Barracuda team, which captured the Best Team classification at the 2011 ATOC and placed Tom Danielson on the podium with 3rd overall, will be there for the ceremonial start and will lead out the fondo just a day before they begin the 5th annual ATOC. At the ATOC, 18 professional bike teams including Garmin-Barracuda will compete in an eight-day stage race that finishes in Southern California.

Team Garmin-Barracuda is the top American professional cycling team dedicated to ethical sport and developing the next generation of cycling champions. Since its inception the team has placed riders in the top 10 of the Tour de France, and in the 2011 edition, the team placed the top American in the race (Tom Danielson, 9th overall), won the Team Time Trial, captured a total of four stage wins, held the yellow jersey for eight days, and won Best Team Overall.

“We look forward to the Amgen Tour of California every year, and this year is extra special because we are excited to take part in the Gran Fondo to raise funds for local community partnerships and Charity of Choice,” said Jonathan Vaughters, CEO, Slipstream Sports.

Garmin Corporation has been a title sponsor of the Echelon Gran Fondo series since its inception and donates merchandise including the Garmin Edge 500 and 800 GPS cycling computers to top fundraisers.

Boulder, Co. and Campbell, Calif., Jan. 11, 2012 – Team Garmin-Cervélo, the elite American professional cycling team dedicated to ethical sporting and developing the next generation of cycling champions, today announced that it will become Team Garmin-Barracuda with the addition of Barracuda Networks as a new sponsor of the team.

Barracuda Networks is the worldwide leader in powerful, affordable content security, network performance and data protection solutions for organizations of all sizes.

“The incredible sense of teamwork, passion and determination, and commitment to innovation, align perfectly with our philosophy on delivering the most innovative solutions and support to our customers,” said Michael Perone, executive vice president and CMO of Barracuda Networks. “This partnership provides a fantastic platform to share that message with millions of people around the world in a unique and meaningful way.”

“We are always looking for partners who, like Garmin, share our passion and commitment to the best innovations in technology, and Barracuda Networks is a perfect fit,” said Jonathan Vaughters, CEO of Slipstream Sports and Director Sportif of Team Garmin-Barracuda. “The partnership with Barracuda Networks is long-term and the company will also allow Slipstream Sports to continue to pursue other co-title sponsor opportunities.”

“We’d like to thank Slipstream for giving us the second team name in 2011 when they had no obligation to do so,” said Phil White, CEO of Cervélo. “We’re excited that Barracuda Networks is joining the team. It bodes well for the future that the team is attracting new sponsors of this caliber, and Cervélo looks forward to continuing as a key partner and the official bicycle supplier of the team for the next three years.”

Owned and managed by Slipstream Sports, Team Garmin-Barracuda is dedicated to promoting ethical sporting and developing the next generation of cycling champions. In 2007, Slipstream created the most progressive anti-doping system in the professional sports world and now works with the Anti-Doping Sciences Institute to continue its anti-doping mission.

“From a business standpoint, working with Barracuda Networks makes great sense,” said Matt Johnson, President of Slipstream Sports. “The sponsorship provides Barracuda Networks with an unprecedented opportunity to showcase its technology leadership and expand its brand footprint around the globe.”

Team Garmin-Barracuda today unveiled the 2012 jersey from technical clothing supplier Castelli, which will be raced for the first time at the Tour Down Under. Castelli continues to make sure the team has the right clothing for the season, from the cold spring classics to the heat of France in July. In addition to the innovative SanRemo Speedsuit and Gabba rain jacket, there are some surprises in development that fans will see as the season progresses. The Team Garmin-Barracuda replica pieces will be available beginning in February.

Garmin continues to provide the team with technology they use while training and racing, including the Garmin Edge 800 with its leading touch-screen and advanced mapping capability and the Edge 500, a lightweight, compact GPS enabled cycling computer.

About Barracuda Networks Inc.
Barracuda Networks combines premises-based gateways and software, virtual appliances, cloud services, and sophisticated remote support to deliver comprehensive content and network security, data protection and application delivery solutions. The company’s expansive product portfolio includes offerings for protection against email and Web threats as well as products that improve application delivery and network access, message archiving, backup and data protection. Coca-Cola, FedEx, Harvard University, IBM, L’Oreal, and Europcar are among the more than 150,000 organizations protecting their IT infrastructures with Barracuda Networks’ range of affordable, easy-to-deploy and manage solutions. Barracuda Networks is privately held with its International Headquarters in Campbell, Calif. For more information, please visit www.barracudanetworks.com.

The goals for 2012 continue to derive from the ethos of the organization, that of team achievement over that of the individual. This philosophy saw the team reach new heights in 2011, from the Classics to the Grand Tours and beyond.

“We had our strongest season in the history of the team in 2011, and we’ll be looking to build on that success in 2012,” said Jonathan Vaughters, CEO, Slipstream Sports.

“Our roster has an outstanding mix of new and returning riders, with both veteran and young talent excelling in all disciplines of the sport. This will allow us to continue to do what we do best, win as a team.”

The team is once again highlighted by sprint sensation Tyler Farrar who this year became the second American to win a stage in all three Grand Tours, David Millar, one of the team’s founding members and an exceptional time trialist, general classification phenomenon Dan Martin and team leader Christian Vande Velde.

Also returning to the team is Paris-Roubaix champion Johan Vansummeren, Tour de France top-ten Tom Danielson and current US Professional time trial champion David Zabriskie.

Slipstream Sports is dedicated to developing the next generation of cycling champions. As such Alex Howes, Raymond Kreder and Jacob Rathe are all moving up from Team Chipotle, the organization’s Continental development squad. Peter Stetina, a graduate of the program, returns for another year while neo-pro signings Jack Bauer and Nathan Haas continue the development tradition.

Veteran additions to the team include Koldo Fernandez, Fabian Wegmann and Sebastien Rosseler, while the return of Robby Hunter will give a boost to the team’s lead-out train.

Owned and managed by Slipstream Sports, LLC Team Garmin-Cervélo is dedicated to promoting ethical sporting and developing the next generation of cycling champions.

For more information:
Marya Pongrace, Director of Communications
+1 347-698-3412
marya.pongrace@slipstreamsports.com

More photos from the 2012 Team Presentation:

Team Garmin-Cervélo, dedicated to ethical sport, continues its tradition of developing the next generation of cycling champions with the addition of 22-year-old Haas, and this marks the young rider’s entry into the World Tour ranks. Haas will meet his teammates at their first 2012 training camp in Boulder in November, where he will attend the team’s official presentation to fans at the Boulder Theater on November 17.

“For me, signing with Garmin-Cervélo is a dream come true. To even be considered as part of such an incredible outfit is humbling in itself, and I look forward to the next two years working under some of cycling’ greats with a huge sense of enthusiasm and optimism,” said Haas. “Simply put, to leave my development in Garmin-Cervélo’s hands, I could not be happier.”

A student at Sydney University studying socio-legal studies with a dream of turning pro, Haas rode only part-time for a Tasmanian team prior to joining Garmin-Cervélo, and has been pulling great results for the past few years. The young Australian was second in the 2010 Australian U23 road race national championships and captured fourth in the time trial in the same year. Haas and his coach, Andrew Christie-Johnson, chose Garmin-Cervélo because they firmly believe in the team’s philosophy.

“Garmin-Cervélo is a perfect team for Nathan,” said Christie-Johson. “They develop riders extremely well and I am sure that under the guidance of Jonathan Vaughters and Allan Pieper we will see Nathan flourish over the next few years. It is a perfect match.”

Jonathan Vaughters, CEO of Slipstream Sports and Director Sportif, Team Garmin-Cervélo said: “Nathan has exceptional talent. At such a young age, he is already is one of those unique riders who figures out a way to win, no matter what style or level of race he is competing in. We think this is just the beginning for him, and we’re excited to see how he continues to develop as a rider.” Vaughters also credits newly-appointed Director of Competition, Allan Peiper, with bringing Haas to the team. “Signing Haas is really a credit to Allan, he’s been a great addition in our rider recruitment process.”

Peiper added: “I have been following Nathan for the last couple of months and have been in contact with his coach, Andrew Christie-Johnston. At 22 years old, Nathan won the Sun Tour against seasoned European pros and backed it up with a win in the Japan Cup last weekend. Needless to say we are thrilled he’s made the choice to begin his World Tour career with Garmin-Cervélo and we look forward to helping him continue to develop his great talent.”

Fans will have a chance to meet Haas and the rest of the Garmin-Cervélo squad during a rare evening with riders and staff at the Boulder Theater in Boulder, Colo., on Thursday, November 17, 2011. The event will feature the official presentation and unveiling of the 2012 team, an auction, an open forum Q&A with the riders and a new film about the team, “The Journey to a Dream,” by legendary filmmaker, Nigel Dick. Ticket information is available at www.slipstreamsports.com/gala. Slipstream Sports is dedicated to ethical cycling and developing the next generation of cycling champions, and proceeds from the auction will go to the organization’s under-23 development programs.

Media Inquiries:
Marya Pongrace
Director of Communications
Slipstream Sports, LLC
347-698-3412
marya.pongrace@slipstreamsports.com

Tom Danielson, the top American finisher at the 2011 Tour de France, will join Leibovitz and Ratcliff along with Jonathan Vaughters, CEO of Slipstream Sports, and Team Chipotle Director Chann McRae, for a meet-and-greet with fans at Chipotle’s Pearl Street location in Boulder, Colorado, on October 5, 2011 from 6-7pm. The meet and greet, which is open to the public, will feature buy one, get one free burritos, tacos, salads and bowls between 6-7pm. Riders and directors will sign autographs.

Leibovitz is a sports performance major at Marian University in Indianapolis, Indiana, and started riding when he was just four years old. He is the 2011 Elite Pursuit National Champion, 2011 Collegiate Pursuit and Kilo National Champion, 2012 Collegiate Criterium National Champion and TTT Champion, and was 1st in the 2009 Ster van Zuid Limburg Prologue.

Ratcliff is a student at Fort Lewis College in Durango, Colorado, Danielson’s alma mater. He is the Collegiate Road National Champion and a former junior All-American triathlete. He has already obtained a minor in coaching while studying exercise science and accounting at Fort Lewis and his accolades also include Collegiate Omnium National Champion and 1st Overall at the 2011 Tour of the Catskills.

Team Chipotle is the most successful development team in the United States and works as a feeder team for pro team Garmin-Cervélo.

“I’m extremely honored and excited to be part of such a prestigious team and development program. I can’t wait to take my racing level up next year,” said Leibovitz.

“Joining Team Chipotle is a dream come true. I’m very excited to be a part of a program that has helped so many other riders make it to the top of the pro ranks,” echoed Ratcliff.

“Cycling is one of the toughest sports in the world from a physical and mental standpoint. At the Chipotle Development Team we encourage our athletes to strive for both physical and intellectual prowess and we continuously support our athletes’ educational goals, “ said Chann McRae, Director, Team Chipotle.

“Adam and Alister are both in the process of completing 4-year college degrees while pursuing their dreams of becoming World Tour professionals. They are the reigning Collegiate National Champions, winning titles in the road race, criterium, and team time time trial. Adam and Alister have been awarded contracts with the team for the standard of excellence they set for themselves.”

Owned and managed by Slipstream Sports, this development program has been grooming the next generation of cycling champions since its inception.

“When I started this organization, my dream was to foster an environment where young riders could flourish,” said Jonathan Vaughters, CEO of Slipstream Sports. “It gives me great pride to continue that mission and to welcome Adam and Alister to Team Chipotle. They are great riders and great examples of the future of the sport, and continuing to develop that future is our goal.

Slipstream Sports, dedicated to ethical sport and developing the next generation of cycling champions, began in 2003 as a development team for young riders and continues that mission today with a three-pronged approach of managing junior, continental, and pro teams.

Team Chipotle “Meet-and-Greet’

Join Tom Danielson, top American at the 2011 Tour de France, Jonathan Vaughters, CEO Slipstream Sports (and Director Sportif, Team Garmin- Cervélo), Chann McRae, Director, Team Chipotle, Adam Liebovitz and Alister Ratclif as they greet fans and sign autographs at Chipotle’s Pearl Street location in Boulder, Colorado. Chipotle will provide two-for-one burritos during the event.

Chipotle is a long-time supporter of Slipstream Sports. Riders for Team Chipotle are among the most finely tuned athletes in the world and their diet is a critical component of training, conditioning, and daily lifestyle. These professional cyclists seek only the freshest, most wholesome foods for maximum performance.

A full 2012 Team Chipotle roster will be released later this year.

Media Contact:
Marya Pongrace
Marya.pongrace@slipstreamsports.com
347-698-3412

Peiper will work hand-in-hand with CEO Jonathan Vaughters and the team’s sport directors on sport management and competition. “We are thrilled that Allan will be working with us starting in 2012,” said Jonathan Vaughters, CEO, Slipstream Sports.

“I have a tremendous amount of respect for what he’s accomplished, and I am excited by the experience he will bring to our team.”

“Garmin-Cervélo is a team that has had a lot of success, and more importantly, I share their philosophy on sport and innovation. They’ve always been at the forefront of change in the sport, and I respect that immensely,” said Peiper.

“I have had many great experiences over the last few years and I’ve learned a lot – I am very thankful for that and I look forward to this new chapter. For me, coming from a team that shares the same ideals, makes this an ideal move.”

Rasmussen was the winner of the 2011 Philadelphia International Cycling Championship, an Olympic silver medallist, former Danish national road cycling champion and four-time track world champion.

“Alex is a great talent and we’re very excited to bring him to our team,” said Jonathan Vaughters, CEO, Slipstream Sports.

“He’s proven that he’s versatile rider – he’s obviously gifted on the track and he’s translated that to the road. He is great in lead outs, he’s an exceptional time trialist, and he’s developing into a great Classics rider. He’ll be a strong addition and we look forward to working with him next year.”

The new jersey and shorts retain the distinctive Garmin and Cervélo logos, but reverse white with black on the jersey. The signature Slipstream Sports argyle is prominently displayed.

“We’re really excited about the Tour de France kit,” said Jonathan Vaughters, CEO of Slipstream Sports and Director Sportif, Team Garmin-Cervélo. “The lighter color is perfect for hot weather and our signature argyle is more prominent.”

This is the third time Castelli have introduced new clothing at the Tour de France. “We consider the Tour de France a very special event that deserves a special design,” said Steve Smith, Castelli Brand Manager.

“This team is rider-centric, and Castelli has done its part to make sure the riders have the most comfortable and technically advanced clothing for this big event. Racing in hot weather is physically demanding, that’s a given, and despite the fact that Castelli makes some of the lightest and coolest fabrics in existence, wearing a lighter colour will make a big difference, both psychologically and physically, to a rider’s well being,” explained Steve Smith.

The limited edition Tour de France kit will be available in early July at Castelli dealers and from the team store.

In addition to the new color, the Castelli Speed Research Unit has been busy making sure it’s the fastest gear in the peloton. With new innovative thinking, fifteen rounds of sampling and numerous tests later, the Castelli Speed Research Unit and has invented the first skinsuit for road racing.

And, working with Robby Ketchell, Director of Sport Science for Slipstream Sports, Castelli created a nearly seamless Body Paint TT Speedsuit to cut through the wind better than almost any other suit ever created. For the mountain stages, the riders will be supplied with an unbelievably lightweight jersey that virtually absorb no moisture so the weight savings multiply in the most extreme conditions.