New Jersey – December 19, 2002 – The 2003 Navigators Cycling Team will again be partnered with the World's most respected bicycle manufacturer: Ernesto Colnago. The team will be racing on Colnago's latest road design, the C40-HP that features the revolutionary HP (High Power) B-Stay rear triangle. The HP improves on existing technology by adding a Diamond Shaped chain stay, which improves performance by increasing the lateral rigidity while simultaneously increasing the vertical compliance and vibration dampening. According to Colnago's research and development tests, the C40-HP's new design is more efficient, maximizing the frame's performance and comfort.
The Navigators team will dress the World's most sought after frame with a performance driven collection of the finest Italian and American made components. The Campagnolo Record group and wheels are highlighted with Stella Azzurra bar, stem, and tape, Fi'zi:k saddles, Thomson Masterlight seatpost, Vittoria tires, Speedplay pedals, and Salsa skewers. The team's C45 and Dream TT bikes will be enhanced with Profile Design aerodynamic artillery, ensuring a stealth, wind-cheating machine.
Following a successful 2002 season that included 42 victories in five countries on three continents, the Navigators organization enters 2003 celebrating its 10th season as a UCI TT2. The team's goals for 2003 include most of the major North American events and the Pro Cycling Tour (U.S.), while also increasing their presence in Europe.
The team also announces the signing of Jeff Louder (26) of Salt Lake City (UT). Louder was a member of the 2002 U.S. World Cycling Championship Team, and has been racing professionally in Europe for the past three years. “We are very excited for the occasion to have another younger American with a great depth of Continental experience on the team. We expect that this will be a great chance for Jeff to continue showing his capabilities in Europe while also providing the opportunity to promote his talents at home in the USA”.
The New York based Navigators Group is an international insurance holding company specializing in marine, energy, construction/engineering and specialty non-marine insurance worldwide. Navigators is one of the largest marine insurers in the world. Headquartered in New York City, Navigators has offices in several major insurance centers in the US and the UK. Navigators Common Stock is traded over-the-counter (The NASDAQ National Market) under the symbol NAVG.