December 12, 2012 (Victoria, BC) – Accent Inns/Russ Hay’s powered by Pacific Cycling Center (AI/RH) is proud to announce new and returning sponsors and an expanded roster for its Men’s and Women’s programs. The Team features a stronger Elite Men’s and Women’s squad, and the signing of some exciting new Under 23 and Junior talent.

Russ Hay’s the Bicycle Shop and Accent Inns have returned as title sponsors of Victoria’s #1 Development Team and have partnered with UCI Expert Coach, Houshang Amiri, and the Pacific Cycling Centre to deliver high performance support to the 2013 Team. “We are so excited to have the opportunity to support not only an elite class of competitors but also an organization that focuses on developing younger athletes. As a passionate cyclist myself and that we are the most bike friendly hotel chain in all of BC, being a title sponsor of the Accent Inns / Russ hay’s elite cycle team has a perfect fit for our company.” Says Mandy Farmer, President & CEO of Accent Inns and a real “Bike Lover”.

In addition to the team being provided race equipment by Specialized Bicycles, Sugoi Performance Clothing joins the Team as official apparel and Team kit sponsor. Charles Russell, National Sales Manager, sees this sponsorship arrangement as a great way to give back to the community and to help grow the sport. “We are very excited to be the clothing sponsor of AI/RH Cycling Team. The work that the team has done over the last few seasons is nothing short of amazing. We are very supportive of the team’s goals and ambitions in the development of cycling. We look forward to partnering with the team over the coming seasons and sharing in their successes.”

” The team roster has seen some major changes for 2013 with the expansion of our Junior Development and Women’s Program. “We wanted to extend our winning formula and expand the women’s program and bolster the development of younger riders. We worked hard to keep the core together but felt it was important to make some strategic additions,” said Team Manager and Russ Hay’s the Bicycle Shop owner, Mike Clermont. “Our goal is to be competitive in every race we start.”

The AI/RH Women’s Team sees a roster of 3 women, with the addition of Nik Vogler, Haley Warkentin, and Hillery Wille. Hillery Wille is a rising young star who is transitioning into road cycling from the sport of triathlon. Hilary won 2 gold medals in triathlon at the 2011 Kamloops Western Canada Summer Games.

Returning to the Team under its Development Program is the current Junior Time Trial and Cyclocross Champion, Jordan Duncan. New additions to the development program include U17 Time Trial Champion Alex Amiri, Evan Carey, and Andrew Grant.
The Men’s Elite Team has added experience and power to its numbers with the addition of local rider Lucas Koolman, Vancouver’s Jeff Werner, Mike Rothengatter, and the Yukon’s David Gonda.

Returning to the AI/RH Elite Men’s Team are Cid Martinez, Raph Lalumiere, Curtis Dearden, Emile de Rosnay, Steven Grandy, and David Strasser. “We had a respectable year in 2012 and I am happy that we’ve retained the core strengths of our Men’s Team for 2013,” adds Mike Clermont. “We have a great balance of experience and youth, and we are all looking forward to building on the successes of 2012.”

The Team is also expanding its management with the addition of David Strasser and Jon Watkin.

The team is currently planning its first winter training camp in Victoria from Dec 13 to Dec 16.

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

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

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