October 28, 2008 (Montreal, QC) – The Specialized-Mazda-Samson Group women’s cycling team is on the move with a focus on Quebec podiums and new sponsors, including some new riders for a stronger presence in 2009.

“We’re better able to plan the 2009 season for our riders considering their developments and their studies,” says team founder and president Gerard Pennaroya. “The core of the team remains the same but we’ve added depth with the goal to improve both the performance of our athletes and our staff to create a forward progression as a whole.”

“To reach excellence at all the levels and to be victorious it’s necessary to manage the team with more focus on the health of the athletes, and the realization of their individual dreams transposed in a collective way,” adds team consultant, Marc-Wayne Addison.

For 2009 the Specialized-Mazda-Samson Group women’s cycling team consists of:

Returning Riders
– Audrey Lemieux, captain
– Julie Marceau
– Valerie Peaks
– Janie Fort
– Karol-Ann Canuel

New Riders
– Élisa Gagnon (Advil/USA in 2008)
– Natasha Elliot (Serono/ON in 2008)

Team management consists of President: Gerald Pennaroya, Vice-president: Michael Of the Islets, Director Sportif: David Dulude, Communications: Chantal Crevier, Consultant: Marc-Wayne Addison. The official launch of the Specialized-Mazda-Samson Group women’s cycling team is planned for Sunday, November 9, where team members will be introduced and the full 2009 calendar and team sponsors will be announced.