August 16, 2006 (Wauwatosa, WI) – The Colavita/Cooking Light Women’s Cycling Team, vying for the #1 ranking in the U.S., will enter the 2007 racing season as a registered UCI (Union Cycliste International) team. Director Jim Williams of Team Sports, Inc. made the announcement.

As the only U.S.-based squad to qualify for this prestigious designation, the highest level attainable in women’s cycling, the Colavita/Cooking Light Women’s Cycling Team plans to add international races to its racing calendar for next year, including the famous Giro d’Italia Donne.

“We’re proud of the UCI registration as it offers us the opportunity to compete at a world-class level,” said Team Director Williams. “We are particularly excited about the prospect of racing in the Giro d’Italia Donne because of the Italian heritage of our co-title sponsor, Colavita USA.”

One of the most important races on the women’s racing calendar, the 10-stage, 900-kilometer Giro d’Italia Donne attracts the most accomplished riders representing the top UCI squads and major national teams throughout the world.
In addition, the Colavita/Cooking Light Women’s Cycling Team also expects to race in the 250-kilometer, three-stage Giro del Trentino Femminile in June.

“The entire Colavita family in Molise will be on hand to cheer for the team colors,” said John Profaci, Vice President of Marketing for Colavita USA. Chris Allen, Vice President and Publisher of co-title sponsor CookingLight, added, “As the world’s largest food and lifestyle magazine, we support opportunities for female athletes to compete at the highest levels. We’re honored that the Colavita/ Cooking Light Women’s Cycling Team will represent us at two of the most important sporting events in Italy.”
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The Colavita/Cooking Light Women’s Cycling Team is finalizing its roster for the 2007 season. Riders and a preliminary racing schedule will be announced in September.


About the sponsors of the Colavita/Cooking Light Women’s Cycling Team

Now celebrating its 25th year, Colavita USA LLC, headquartered in Linden, NJ, is a leading marketer of Italian specialty food products. A family-owned business, Colavita imports and distributes the #1 brand of Italian extra-virgin olive oil in the U.S. as well as durum wheat semolina pasta, a full selection of balsamic and wine vinegars, and many other fine Italian products. To learn more about Colavita USA, please visit www.Colavita.com.

Founded in 1987, Cooking Light (www.cookinglight.com) is the world’s largest food magazine. Each month, more than 11 million consumers turn to Cooking Light to “eat smart, be fit and live well.” CookingLight.com provides daily food and fitness updates, healthy recipes and nutrition advice to millions of unique visitors every year.

Trinchero Family Estates is wholly owned and operated by the Trinchero family, Napa Valley vintners since 1948. The company produces the wines of Sutter Home, Trinchero, Montevina, Wild Bunch, Trinity Oaks, Folie à Deux, Menage à Trois, the number one alcohol-removed wine, Fre, and imports Angove’s, Reynolds Vineyards and Little Boomey wines of Australia. For more information, visit www.tfewines.com.

Contributing sponsors include Blue Competition Bicycles, Quark Footwear, American Suzuki Motor Corporation, and Shimano. Food, nutrition and beverage sponsorship for the teams is provided by Amino Vital, The Olive Garden Restaurants, and Lavazza.