May 26, 2006 (Vancouver, B.C.) – Look for the familiar yellow-and-black colours attacking velodromes around the world! Canada’s number one pro team, Symmetrics Cycling, has expanded its program with the news that it becomes the country’s first UCI Track Team.

With a successful spring campaign by its road teams – including victories all over the Americas, and top results at the Commonwealth Games in Australia – the expansion to the track was natural. Symmetrics already has one of Canada’s top trackies on the squad – points and scratch racer extraordinaire Mandy Poitras (silver medallist at the 2006 Track Worlds, no less). Svein Tuft, on a whim, decided to try his hand at the 4km pursuit this past spring at the Commonwealth Games. Riding an individual test against the clock on the track was a natural extension for Canada’s top time trialist, and despite an abysmal start, virtually no training, and riding a track bike for the first time, the Langley rider still managed a respectable time of 4:36! That time was just over the former National pursuit record held by 1996 Olympic points race silver medallist Brian Walton, which was broken by Tuft’s compatriot Zach Bell at the same event.

Pursuit racing is a discipline where Symmetrics Cycling will shine when it comes to track racing. By having a bevy of the country’s top time trialists, it means having several riders who can excel nationally, and internationally, in the 4-km test. With 4-5 potential individual pursuiters, that also means assembling a team pursuit squad with a real chance at Olympic qualification – something Canada has desperately lacked for several years. Team pursuit is the ultimate statement of teamwork, organization and speed – three things the S-Team prides itself in. In the near future, Symmetrics’ team management will be considering other Canadian athletes to round out the team hoping to acheive its pursuiting goals

Symmetrics welcomes top track Anne-Brit Ericksen to the team, and be sure to look for more news on this front in the coming months.

For more information about Symmetrics Cycling and to view complete race schedules, visit http://www.symmetricscycling.com

Mark Cunningham
Symmetrics Cycling
Tel: 604.891.5565
Fax: 604.681.8514
Email: markc@symmetrics.net
web: http://www.symmetrics.net

More about Symmetrics Pro Cycling Sponsors

Title

Symmetrics — Data Analysis Software
http://www.symmetrics.net

Partner

Coast Capital Savings – Credit Union
http://www.coastcapitalsavings.com
Westlam — Concrete forming plywood
http://www.westlam.com
Northern Feather — Bedding products
http://www.nfdreammakers.com

Associate

Norco — Bicycles & Accessories
http://www.norco.com
Shimano — Bicycle Components, Wheels and Footwear
http://www.shimano.com
Sugoi — Race, training & Casual
http://www.sugoi.com
Ritchey — Bicycle Components
http://www.ritcheylogic.com
Westjet — Air Travel
http://www.westjet.com
Rudy Project – Technical Gear (EyeWear & Helmets)
http://www.rudyprojectusa.com
Panaracer — Tires
http://www.panaracer.com
Powerbar — Nutrition Products
http://www.powerbar.ca/en/index
Axiom — Bicycle Accessories
http://www.axiomgear.com
Minoura — Cycling Trainers
http://www.minoura.jp/index-et.html
Pharma Pacific — Altitude Simulators
http://www.pharmapacific.com/
Performance Health — Chiropractic, Massage, ART
http://www.performancehealth.ca
Sock Guy — Custom Team Socks
http://www.sockguy.com
Refresh — Energy Drink
http://www.netdsm.com/refresh