September 24, 2008 – The Coach Chris.ca/Ted Velikonja Cycling Team is looking for new athletes to join their successful development program. The program is designed to find and integrate up-and-coming athletes into a structured training and development program to produce road, track and MTB racers.

The program is geared towards youth age 14-17. The program includes fully subsidized personal coaching, supervised group road training, group strength training sessions, complimentary team clothing and in some cases subsidized road and time trial bicycles.

This will be the 4th year for the Coach Chris.ca/Ted Velikonja DEVO (development) program. The program has grown a lot in the past four years. Last year the program had 10 athletes, this year we will be expanding to 15. Highlights of the program this year include the road team currently leading the OCA team standings, Allan Leparskas winning the National Track Sprint Championships, Ashley Barson winning a bronze medal at MTB Nationals and Cadet road O-Cup wins by John Carden, Chris Ballestrini and Trevor Dickenson.

Applications are now being accepted for the program. Preference will be given to athletes that will be between 14-17 as of December 31, 2009. Those interested in applying should express their interest in an email to Chris Helwig chris@coachchris.ca. Include your date of birth, where you live in Ontario, athletic background, race results if applicable, and reason for wanting to join the program. Each successful applicant will take part in a 2-month trial with the program to make sure they like the program and training.

The program is made possible by the generous sponsorship and support of Ted Velikonja a Portfolio Manager at CIBC Wood Gundy, Coach Chris.ca, All Seasons Sports, Projectcore.com Inc., Bron, Woodstock Physiotherapy, Leo St. Germain and Neal Pallet and Townsed Chartered Accountants.

There are sponsorship opportunities available for the 2009 program. Interested companies can email Chris Helwig chris@coachchris.ca for more information.