February 20, 2007 (Montreal, QC) – The Montreal landmark of Moishe’s Steak House was a fitting venue as the Calyon/Litespeed Pro Cycling Team presented its 2007 roster to the media, discussed its plans for this season, and showed off its European connections.

Roger Legeay, general manager of Credit Agricole – ProTour team sponsor – flew in for the press conference and told Pedal that he will be keeping a close eye on the Montreal-based team and is willing to give advice whenever they want it. Joining Legeay behind the head table for the press conference were: Jonathan Deslauriers (administrative director), Louis Bertrand (sports journalist), Bernard Vives (team president), Marc Wayne Addison (directeur sportif), and Steve Dennis (owner of Martin Swiss bike shop).

The team’s 2007 racing calendar begins in Porto Alegre, Brazil on March 7th and finishes with the Tour of Tobago on September 18. The team also donates a portion of its winnings to the Juvenile Diabetes Foundation.

Moishe’s is also a team sponsor and served up a feast for the event including teriyaki beef batonettes, spicy chicken batonettes (they disappeared fast), and chocolate gaufrettes with almond paste. Among the masters level cyclists associated with Calyon/Litespeed is Lenny Lighter, owner of Moishe’s Steak House.

We asked Greg Reain, current National Cyclocross champ who is newly-signed with Calyon/Litespeed, what his plans are for 2007. “Racing my bike,” he replied smiling. Reain went on to say that he hopes to compete in many North American events, including the Tour de Beauce, before heading to Europe this winter. Reain is part of the majority of Calyon/ Litespeed team members who come from outside of Quebec.

Steve Dennis, of Martin Swiss talked about his company’s team sponsorship, which often includes sending a shop mechanic to race events. “I don’t really count how much the sponsorship actually costs us,” he said. “I’m just giving back to the sport I love.”

Louis Barbeau, Director General of the FQSC and recently named as the first President of the new UCI Para-cycling Commission, was also at the ceremonies.

The Calyon/Litespeed team includes:

– Erik Lyman (Captain)
– Maxime Vives
– Greg Reain (2006 Canadian cyclo cross champ)
– Phil Cortes
– Charly Vives
– Jean-Sebastien Perron
– Brooke Boocock
– Ryan Belliveau
– Matthew Guse

Sponsors and partners in 2006 included

– Calyon (Groupe Credit Agricole)
– Calyon Financial
– BBSP
– Busac
РMcCarthy T̩trault
– Martin Swiss Cycle
– Litespeed Bicycles
– Topolino
– Lake
– Chris King
– Catlike Helmets
– Rudy Project
– PartOne
– Le Pen Castel
– Graphtek
– ER Gestion Renovation
– Salient Maritime
– Beauvel MicroConsult Inc
– Moishes
– Verge
РCentre Peak Montr̩al
– Mazda Canada
РBell Mobilit̩
– Lotus Communication
– SG9 Sports