March 15, 2013 (Victoria, BC) – The Russ Hay’s/Accent Inns Cycling Team powered by Pacific Cycling Center has powered out of the start line with a brand new look and an impressive team roster for the 2013 Cycling Season.

Seen at their recent team shoot, The Russ Hay’s/Accent Inns Cycling Team power-houses Luke Koolman and Hilary Wille revealed the new look, which comes courtesy of their Vancouver based clothing sponsor, Sugoi Clothing.

The team will also be racing on the new 2013 Specialized Tarmac, Venge, Amira, and Shiv models. “We are so fortunate to be partnered with Specialized again this year,” Said General Manager, Jon Watkin, “Their bikes are on the cutting edge of technology and are used by the top professional teams in the world. For them to support us at the grass roots level shows their commitment to helping grow the sport at all levels.”

The team will be under very familiar management starting with team president; Mike Clermont who is also owner of Russ Hay’s the Bicycle Shop. The Team will also be guided by local cycling promoter Jon Watkin, along with the experienced hands of David Strasser as Athlete Director.

“It’s a very exciting time for the Russ Hay’s Accent Inns Cycling Team,” said David Strasser. “We’ve got Jeff Werner and Hilary Wille who are sure to be major contenders this year at the Westhills Classic – Provincial Cycling Championships here in Victoria in June, and Luke Koolman making his first step up to the elite ranks which is very exciting for him and all of us. It should be a vintage year for BC Cycling in terms of the depth of talent with any of our riders capable of pulling a race win this year.”

Already, the team has racked up some early season race victories as a result of strong team-work: Elite Men riders Cid Martinez and Luke Koolman won key races in Vancouver earlier this month. In addition, Jeff Werner finished 3rd in an early Spring race that included professional cyclists such as Sebastian Salas, Marsh Cooper, and Olympian Zach Bell. Local riders Curtis Dearden and Hilary Wille won their kick-off races for the Victoria Cycling League series held weekly in the Greater Victoria Area.

The team’s next major outing will be the Escape Velocity Stage Race in located in Langley BC on March 30/31 in addition to the Victoria Cycling Series Race #3 at Latoria on March 31.

Complete Team Roster

Management
– Mike Clermont – Team President (Victoria, BC)
– Jon Watkin – General Manager (Victoria, BC)
– David Strasser – Athlete Director (Victoria, BC)

2013 Development Roster
– Alex Amiri (Victoria, BC)
– Jordan Duncan (Comox, BC)
– Evan Carey (Victoria, BC)
– Andrew Grant (Courtenay, BC)
– *Hillery Willie (Victoria, BC)

2013 Elite Men’s Roster
– Raph Lalumiere (Victoria, BC)
– Emile de Rosnay (Victoria, BC)
– Tom Malcynski (Victoria, BC)
– Jeff Werner (Vancouver, BC)
– Cid Martinez (Vancouver, BC)
– David Strasser (Victoria, BC)
– Curtis Dearden (Victoria, BC)
– Mike Rothengatter (Coquitlam, BC)
– Steven Grandy (Victoria, BC)
– Lukas Koolman (Victoria, BC)

2013 Elite Women’s Roster
– Nik Vogler (Victoria, BC)
– *Hilary Willie (Victoria, BC)
– Haley Warkentin (Steinbach, MB)

The Accent Inns Russ Hay’s Cycling Team is one of BC’s top trade cycling teams with emphasis on the development of BC’s top young male and female cyclists. The team will compete in the top races in Western Canada and the United States Pacific Northwest. Visit HERE for more information or email russhayseliteracing@gmail.com