October 31, 2005 – In keeping with Symmetrics Cycling’s mandate to provide the best opportunities to B.C. riders, returning elite women Marni Hambleton, Maria Lee and Mandy Poitras will be joined by Stacey Spencer and Naomi Cooper to comprise the Symmetrics Cycling Elite Women’s Team for 2006. This five-person team boasts remarkable credentials.

Mandy Poitras, a 15-time National Champion, multiple World Cup winner, and Worlds silver medalist on the track, will continue to race for Symmetrics on the road and will wear the National Champions criterium jersey for 2006. Marni Hambleton is coming off her best season ever with wins at Yaletown, TST, and Walla Walla, as well as winning the BC Cup overall and the BC Criterium Championships. Maria Lee rode exceptionally well in support until hit by a car in June ending her season but is now back on the bike ready for 2006. Joining Mandy, Marni, and Maria will be Stacey Spencer and Naomi Cooper. Spencer is making a return to competitive cycling after taking time off to give birth to her first child, Lilly. Stacey has ridden for several top US teams in the past and has twice won the criterium at the National Championships. Spencer commented, “I am inspired to be part of a strong women’s squad that includes world class riders and some of Canada’s top talent.” Naomi Cooper is a Junior National Champion entering her first year as a senior. Naomi has raced both the road and the track at the World Championships for Canada in her junior years. These two riders possess skills that compliment the returning riders, giving the Symmetrics Elite women’s team a deep and balanced skill set for 2005. The race calendar for the Symmetrics Elite Women’s Team will include local BC and NW races such as the BC Cup Road Series, BC Superweek, and the National Road Championships.

Symmetrics Cycling director Jeremy Storie says, “With the addition of Stacey Spencer and Naomi Cooper we continue to expand our women’s program with an eye towards both performance goals and rider development. In criteriums especially I would rank our team right up there with any of the top US domestic squads. Symmetrics Cycling looks forward to supporting Mandy, Marni, Maria, Stacey and Naomi in pursuit of their goals and is very excited to continue to develop a women’s program.”