Team Garmin-Barracuda » Slipstream

Report: First win of 2012 is a team win – Tour of Qatar, stage 2

mark — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 15:14:38 +0000

Garmin-Barracuda scored its first victory of the 2012 campaign in true team fashion, winning the TTT of Stage 2 in the Tour of Qatar.

The boys in argyle blasted through the 11.3km out and back ‘Merckx-style’ time trial course, setting an early time of 12 minutes and 38 seconds which held throughout the day. The impressive result also moved team sprinter Tyler Farrar up to second overall on GC while the second-year rider Ramunas Navardauskas moves into the best young rider jersey.

“The TTT is close to our hearts at Garmin-Barracuda and winning today, as a team, is really exciting,” said Farrar. “Its a great way to start off the year.”

With more sprint stages to come Farrar is poised to contend for the yellow jersey.

More photos from the Tour of Qatar:

Feature: Reconnoitering Flanders

mark — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 23:25:22 +0000

Allan Peiper and Geert Van Bondt took the Classics crew out in Flanders to recon the race changes for this year and sent this report.

Today was our second attempt to get an early glimpse of the Tour of Flanders course. We had a recon planned for late December but the weather was too bad so we had to cancel.

Today was not much better at minus two (Celsius) and light snow falling at daybreak. We met at the Tour of Flanders museum in Oudenaarde. Our Classics director sportif Geert Van Bondt planned well for the weather and also had the course logged in on the Garmin 800 of three of the six riders so even though there was no signs up we could follow the course using our Garmins!

Geert brought Tyler from Gent and Johan Van Summeren came with Thomas Dekker. Maaskant brought Haussler who came yesterday by train from Germany. Sep Van Marke lives 10kms from Oudenaarde where we started the ride at the museum. So six seasoned pro’s and me, the 52 year old Sporting Manager. (Luckily Geert was behind in the car!)

The boys went out of the blocks for the last 150km of the course because of the cold and after 5km we hit the Taaienberg followed by the Eikenberg. We did six climbs and four sections of cobbles before a long 35km section which is normally head wind before we started on the final three laps. Three times over the Kwaremont and Patersberg with a variation of other climbs each lap and 10kms flat to the finish.

I climbed off after 80km to get out of their way! Most said it would be a lead heavy race with so many hard climbs in the final. We had spaghetti at the museum after showers and a talk about the race but mostly Summie and Dekker were telling silly jokes. It will be fun with those two clowns this year!

All in all it was great to see the course, to talk about the changes and how the race may go — but best of all was hanging with the boys on the bike for some time because that’s really what its all about, just riding!

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Team Chipotle becomes Team Chipotle-First Solar with addition of First Solar as new sponsor

mark — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 14:06:35 +0000

New Co-Sponsor, Talented Roster Positions Chipotle-First Solar for Strong Season

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.”

Team Chipotle-First Solar:

Josh Berry
Rob Bush
Robin Carpenter
Andz Flaxsis
Evan Hyde
Andrei Krasilnikau
Adam Leibovitz
Michael Midlarsky
Lachlan Morton
Anders Newburry
Alister Ratclif
Tom Scully
Robbie Squire
Danny Summerhill
Steele Van Hoff

“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

Slipstream Sports partners with with AA Drink/Leontien.nl for women’s team

mark — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 20:15:11 +0000

January 27, Boulder, Colo. – Slipstream Sports today announced that it has entered into a partnership with AA Drink/Leontien.nl whereby AA Drink/Leontin.nl will operate the Women’s Pro Cycling Team at the races and the team will continue to be maintained by Slipstream. As part of the partnership, Emma Pooley, Lizzie Armistead, Lucy Martin, Sharon Laws, Carla Ryan and Jessie Daams will ride for the AA Drink / Leontien.nl Cycling Team and the entire team will ride Cervélo bikes, competing at the highest level of women’s professional cycling.

“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

Data: Sep Vanmarcke’s Edge 500 data – Training Camp, day 3

mark — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 20:42:10 +0000

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Report: Young argyle riders impress – Tour Down Under, stage 5

mark — Sat, 21 Jan 2012 15:50:37 +0000

Today’s stage was a show for the young guns of the argyle armada — Nathan Haas and Jack Bauer. Sporting Manager Allan Peiper and Director Sportif Geert Van Bondt sent this report.

Today we had three flat laps of 40km and then two times up Willunga, all with a strong wind and 25C.

From the start six got away with Nathan Haas. First time up Willunga Haas attacked from the break and had 1min20 at the top.

In the bunch Bauer, Heino and Ryder in a group of forty. Movistar drilled it and the group split with Bauer making it in the front group of 25.

They caught Nathan going to the bottom. Jack hung on for 9th. Valverde beat Gerrans by a tire and both equal on GC. Jack 5secs out of top 10 so he sprints tomorrow for bonuses!

Andreas was tired today but did a lot of work yesterday. Martijn was in the second group over the top but its early days for a classics guy. Robby and Ryder rode the 50km back to the hotel.

The young riders impressed people today which is the way forward.

Tomorrow a criterium to finish before 100.000 people.

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Data: Martijn Maaskant – Tour Down Under, stage 1

mark — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 20:30:19 +0000

Martijn Maaskant’s Garmin Edge 800 data on Garmin Connect.

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Race report: Tour Down Under, stage 2

mark — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 16:50:56 +0000

Team DS’ Allan Peiper and Geert Van Bondt sent this report from the second stage.

148 kms today with start in Lobethal in the Adelaide hills. Two riders got away early and the bunch let them go. They got a good lead and there seemed to be no trouble.

Vacansoleil rode for the GPM sprint and the gap came down and after the second bonus Kohler who was in front dropped back to the bunch leaving Will Clarke from Uni SA with two minutes. The bunch eased and he got nine minutes which went out to 11.30 at 60km to go.

Lotto did not take responsibility and so the teams were waiting for each other to chase. We did not need to ride as other teams were the teams with the best GC chances.

Rabo, Sky and Leopard chased from 40km to go and Green Edge and Movistar started at 20km to go into the last lap but it was too late as Will still had 8.30. At the finish he got the stage and just missed the jersey.

Heino was boxed in in the sprint but Nathan Haas and Jack Bauer helped him well in those last kilometers.

I think Martijn Maaskant cracked a little from yesterday as he was not recovered from the excessive heat. Hopefully he is better tomorrow. Ryder was good and we keep him in mind for Willunga Saturday.

Tomorrow is the stage to Victor Harbour and a strong southerly wind is expected so echelons could happen and that’s what we like :-). Its a tricky run in for the sprint so good for Heino. Let’s hope he can bag one!

More photos from the Tour Down Under:

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Garmin-Barracuda Team Members to lead out the Echelon Sonoma Napa Gran Fondo

mark — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 14:13:39 +0000

A benefit for Charity of Choice

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.

Media Contacts:
Team Garmin-Barracuda
Marya Pongrace
Email: Marya.pongrace@slipstreamsports.com
U.S. Mobile: 347-698-3412

Echelon Gran Fondo
Hunter Zieisng
Email: Info@echelongranfondo.org
Phone: 415-720-6789

Report: Crash limits sprint chances – Tour Down Under, stage 1

mark — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 00:41:52 +0000

A crash in the final kilometer took the argyle sprint crew out of the running, with Heinrich Haussler looking otherwise strong for the finish. DS’ Allan Peiper and Geert Van Bondt sent this report.

Temperatures hit 42C yesterday and everyone suffered. Four riders were away after 5km and after 15km we turned right into the head wind and our boys hit the front. The peloton split into four groups and it was battle stations for many.

After the feed we put one into the chase, interchanging with Bauer and Maaskant.

Into the final and the boys tried hard to make position. Nathan came up to Robby and Heino at 2km to move them up. He got hooked off the road but did not crash.

At the km to go mark a big crash occurred. Robby and Heino were on the wheel of Greipel who just missed a crash but both our guys went down. Robby hit the back part of his bike on a car but is otherwise ok. Heino went down too so game over for us on stage 1.

Heino has a stiff wrist and a little skin off but is ok. Everyone really suffered in the heat.

Wednesday is a hard stage with four times around the finish in Sterling (3km false flat climb). That should be the best stage for Heino and temperatures should be mid 30′s.

More photos from the Tour Down Under

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