January 12, 2007 – Three of the most recognizable and renowned names in cycling are backing the newly formed Kelly Benefit Strategies/Medifast Pro Cycling team. The team today announces sponsorship deals with LeMond, SRAM and Bontrager, including the outfitting of each rider with the new LeMond Carbon Triomphe bikes, one of the most innovative frame designs available.

“We see this as a real endorsement that we’re doing something right preparing for our first season,” says Jonas Carney, Performance Director for the team. “When we set out to launch the team for the 2007 season, we demanded that the athletes come first. Striking these kinds of partnerships with leaders like these is going to get us off to a great start in our first race in the Bahamas next month.”

The Triomphe is LeMond’s latest bike platform, featuring a Min-Max design theory that results in a highly sculpted carbon frame that builds in compliance where needed and also increases rigidity at critical locations in order to produce one of the stiffest yet lightest bikes on the market. When painted, the frame weighs just 950 grams yet given the smartly shaped carbon tubes, laterally speaking, is one of the stiffest bikes made today.

The KBS/Medifast team will also be riding on Bontrager wheels and components including the Aeolus 5.0 and Race X Lite wheels. The Race X Lite wheels provide the team with a proven low profile wheel that is both lightweight and aerodynamic. The Aeolus 5.0 is a carbon aero wheel developed in conjunction with Bontrager, and Steve Hed (one of the industry’s leading wheel aerodynamics experts). The team’s LeMond bikes will also be sporting Bontrager Race X Lite handlebars & stems, and XXX Lite seat posts. These high-end carbon components feature Trek’s OCLV carbon construction providing the ultimate in lightweight and strength.

The Kelly Benefit Strategies/Medifast team will also be equipped with the most innovative road group launched in the past ten years, SRAM Force. Force’s Double Tap actuates both up and down shifts from a single lever and Exact Actuation ensures positive and accurate shifting to every gear while guaranteeing lightweight and ergonomically superior performance.

“The Kelly Benefits Strategies/Medifast team represents an incredibly organized pro team dedicated to working at the peak of their abilities. They’re a great partner and will make a strong entrance into North American racing,” says Alex Wassmann, SRAM North American Road Sponsorship Manager.

“Our team intends to ride, work and partner with only the best in their fields,” says John Kelly, president Kelly Benefit Strategies. “When it comes to innovative design and performance, LeMond, Bontrager and SRAM are way out in front of the pack. That’s the kind of company we want to keep.”

The team will warm up with the Tour of the Bahamas in February and then go to training camp to prepare for the 2007 season.

The Kelly Benefit Strategies/Medifast Pro Cycling Team is managed and operated by Minneapolis-based Circuit Global Sports Management (CGSM).