November 30, 2005 – To celebrate more than 30 years of American cyclo-cross, promoters of the Liberty Mutual U.S. National Cyclo-cross Championships have selected the Specialized TriCross as its official bike.

“When you trace the roots of American cyclo-cross you go back to Northern California in the 1970s. There are parallels between this great company and this great sport,” said Communications Director Richard Fries. “This is a company that is not afraid to be bold. Look what they did with the Stumpjumper, making a high end bike available to consumers worldwide. Then look at their TriCross line of cyclo-cross bikes introduced this year. It’s bold.”

Specialized will also showcase its carbon fiber road bikes, the Tarmac SL and Roubaix, its new line of high performance optics, as well as its Body Geometry shoes, saddles, clothing and helmets, in a fully heated exposition tent positioned in the infield of the venue. Select New England Specialized dealers and other leaders of the cycling industry will also participate in the expo.

Infield tickets for the event, which grant access to the start-finish venue, the podium and media presentations, heated expo tents, and the Harpoon Beer Garden, will also serve as coupons to receive a special gift redeemable at participating Specialized dealers.

“Not many people remember, but we’ve got a long history with cyclo-cross. Our first off-road race team back in 1984 had some of the best cyclo-crossers in America including Laurence Malone and Dave McLaughlin,” said Mike Sinyard, founder and president of Specialized Bicycle Components. “Today we support two outstanding elite ‘cross athletes, Andy Jacques-Maynes and Chris D’Aluisio, who also happen to work for Specialized. We’ve supported ‘cross and most types of competitive cycling over the past 30 years because we’re all fans of the sport and because the input we get from the world’s best racers has allowed us to constantly refine and improve our bikes and equipment.”

Check out what else Specialized has to offer at www.specialized.com