February 5, 2009 (Toronto, ON) – Canada’s only UCI Continental Team was officially launched today at Wayne Gretzky’s at 99 Blue Jays Way in Toronto, On with the unveiling of title sponsor Planet Energy a Canadian-based company devoted to providing affordable fixed price protection for electricity and natural gas requirements.

Directed by Canada’s most acclaimed cyclist, Steve Bauer, the Planet Energy Professional Cycling Team, formerly Team R.A.C.E. Pro, features a 14-man powerhouse roster of Canadian riders including Olympians, Canadian champions and stars of the future.

Brian Cooper, Sports and Entertainment LP, Bauer’s agent for many years was on hand to start the proceedings as he recalled Bauer’s illustrious past winning Olympic silver, wearing the Tour de France yellow jersey numerous times, and along the way meeting a young Lance Armstrong.

“We’re excited to launch this Canadian team of talented riders with great sponsors,” said Bauer, an Olympic and Canadian Sport Hall of Fame inductee, as the press conference continued. “We’ve assembled a great group of excellent riders and we hope to reach new heights while continuing to develop Canada’s cycling scene.”



Team Planet Energy is sending a team of six riders leaving tomorrow evening to the Vuelta a Cuba, a 10-day stage race starting on Feb. 10, and then heads to a stage race in Mexico. The squad will focus on all UCI-level events in North America with the US Open, Triple Crown, Philly and the Tour de Beauce all on their radar.

Bauer and partner Josée Larocque, of Cycle Sport Management, have assembled a dynamic group of riders including Andrew Randell (ON), Francois Parisien (QC), Ryan Roth (ON), Martin Gilbert (QC) and many others plus a long list of sponsors including Planet Energy, livclean, Catalyst Capital Group Inc., BlackBerry, Saputo, Iberville, Nucap Medical, Argon 18, Shimano, Pearl Izumi, Pro, Hutchinson, Thule, Giro, Oakley, Boom! and Pedros.

More photos and videos from the press conference to follow.

2009 Planet Energy Roster

– Francois Parisien (QC)
– Ryan Roth (ON)
– Kevin “Buck” Miller (ON)
– Martin Gilbert (QC)
– Keven Lacombe (QC)
– Eric Boily (QC)
– Andrew Randell (ON)
– Bruno Langlois (QC)
– Maxime Vives (QC)
– Charly Vives (QC)
– Joël Dion-Poitras (QC)
– Keir Plaice (ON)
– Andrew Hunt (ON)
– Mark Batty (ON)

Management
– Steve Bauer
РJos̩e Larocque