February 23, 2013 (Edison, NJ) – Fine Cooking magazine joins Colavita USA as title sponsor of the new Colavita/Fine Cooking Women’s Pro Cycling Team. Six-time US National Champion Tina Pic will lead the new squad, which will kick off the 2013 season at the Delray Beach Twilight Criterium on March 23.
“We are so pleased to welcome Fine Cooking to women’s cycling,” said John A. Profaci, Vice President of Marketing for Colavita. “Fine Cooking has been the only food magazine I’ve taken home and saved over the years – by far the best magazine for authentic recipes without clutter. I’m very excited to welcome them on board as team partners to celebrate eating and living well together.”
“We’re delighted at the opportunity to join Colavita in this partnership, and to spread the word about our shared enthusiasm for great food and quality ingredients,” said Maria Taylor, Group Publisher for Fine Cooking.
“I’m also pleased to announce Tina Pic’s return to competitive racing,” said Profaci. “Tina just needed a break after the 2009 season, not retirement, which is why she’s back on the bike.” He continued, “Tina has already solidified her legacy as one of the most decorated cyclists in US history so I hope she really enjoys the Colavita/Fine Cooking team experience and racing excitement ahead.”
In her 15-year career, Pic won virtually every major criterium in North America as well as the overall US Speedweek Criterium Series title. She also holds two gold medals in the road race from the Pan American Games and raced with the US team at six World Championships. Pic served as co-director of Colavita’s women’s pro team in 2010 and advised the US National Team at key European races in the run-up to the Olympic Games in London.
“Racing at the Boise Twilight Criterium last year confirmed for me that being in the field is where I do my best,” said Pic. “We’ve recruited a great squad and I’m excited about riding with them to ensure that Colavita/Fine Cooking is represented on podiums in all types of races.”
Pic’s former Colavita teammate Iona Wynter Parks will return to direct the Colavita/Fine Cooking squad. An accomplished competitor in road and track cycling, Wynter Parks represented her native Jamaica at the 2000 Olympic Games in Sydney.
The Colavita/Fine Cooking Women’s Pro Cycling Team also includes returning riders Kathryn Bertine, Jamie Bookwalter, Leah Guloien, and Mary Zider. They will be joined by Jen Purcell and Heather Sprenger, both of whom have raced with Pic in previous seasons, as well as newcomers Laura Brown, Lindsay Bayer, and Jackie Kurth.
For the 2013 season, the Colavita/Fine Cooking team will focus on selected NRC and NCC events, including the Redlands Bicycle Classic, Volkswagen Sea Otter Classic, American Cycling Classic, Nature Valley Grand Prix, Boise Twilight Criterium, and the Tour of Elk Grove. The squad will also travel to Canada to race the UCI-ranked Gatineau Grand Prix. Race results, news, and photos will be available throughout the season at www.TeamColavita.com and www.Facebook.com/TeamColavita.