February 27, 2015 (Maple Ridge, BC) – The GIANT Vancouver Lower Mainland BC-based cycling team is pleased to announce its roster, sponsors, and schedule for the 2015 season. The headline news is the squad’s new title sponsor, GIANT Vancouver, an exclusive GIANT bicycles retail store located in Vancouver, BC. The newly named Team GIANT Vancouver is excited about its partnership for 2015 and beyond, as its riders have raced and trained on GIANT bicycles for the past 12 years.
Team Owner and Manager Paul Craig said: “We are thrilled to continue our relationship with the GIANT brand. GIANT Vancouver is a natural fit for us as the shop offers the full range of Giant Bicycles including Road, Track, Mountain, Cyclocross and Single Speed, along with unparalleled service. We are looking forward to representing our sponsors at provincial, national and international events.”
Team GIANT Vancouver is a multi-disciplinary group of like-minded riders who enjoy the training, racing and social aspects of cycling. Everyone on the roster is very proud to be a positive ambassador for the sport and the cycling community. Cycling is their shared passion and each Team GIANT Vancouver member is keen to develop a cycling culture that is inclusive of all ages and abilities.
The team will participate in a full schedule of races over the season highlighted by some of BC’s signature events, including the BC Premier Road and Cyclocross Series, the Test of Metal group of events, BC Championships, and the Burnaby 4 Day.
The squad has been extremely fortunate to have received the support of some incredible sponsors and athletes over the years. The team will be continuing its decade-long relationship with both Kicking Horse Coffee and Golden Ears Physiotherapy, and is equally pleased to be supported by Cycles Lambert and its world-class brands this season.
The GIANT Vancouver team has existed under a number of names and title sponsors over the past 18 years. After originally being founded as Team Organic by Aaron Robbins, it became Natural Earth Racing in 2001. More recently, the team was sponsored by Local Ride Bike Shop as one of the most recognized and respected squads in the province.
Team GIANT Vancouver wishes Local Ride Racing and all departing team members luck in the future and looks forward to continuing with their common goals of building cycling in the community.
Team GIANT Vancouver 2015 Roster
Women
– Anne-Marie Gagnon (Sponsor)
– Heidi Manicke (MTB/CX/Road)
– Jeanine Ball (MTB/CX/Road)
– Kelsey MacDonald (MTB/CX/Road/Track)
– Megan MacDonald (MTB/CX/Road/Track/Triathlon)
– Sue Weston (MTB/CX/Road)
– Sandra Walter (Liv Cycling Canada Ambassador (Honorary team member)
Men
– Andrew Kerr (MTB/CX/Road)
– Bill MacDonald (Sponsor)
– Brad Collins (MTB/CX/Road)
– Brett Wakefield (Road/CX)
– Carsten Ivany (MTB/Rd/CX)
– Dave Hardie (MTB/Road (Team Mechanic)
– Jason Bond (MTB/CX)
– Julian Base (MTB/CX/Road/Track)
– Paul Craig (MTB/CX/Road (Team Manager)
– Pete Whalen (MTB/CX/Road)
– Rich Machhein (MTB/CX/SS/Road/Track)
– Ryan Jeans (MTB/CX/Road)
– Ryan Newsome (MTB/CX/Road)
– Steve Devantier (MTB/CX/Road/SS/Commuting/#enduro)
– Mike Rothengatter (MTB/Road/Track)
Team Ambassadors
– Marie Devantier
– Bill Whalen
– Neil Campbell
– Steve Fenning
About Team GIANT Vancouver’s Sponsors
– GIANT Vancouver
– Giant Bicycles
– Kicking Horse Coffee
– Golden Ears Physiotherapy
– Lambert