February 8, 2005 – RacerMate, Inc., the manufacturer of the CompuTrainer bicycle trainer/simulator and founder of the Electronic Bicycle Racing Association (EBRA), is one-third of the way through the inaugural worldwide indoor time trials championship series, based at the 50-plus MultiRider centers operating in seven nations.

The MultiRider/EBRA World Championship is open to all cyclists, and runs January 1, 2005 to March 31, 2005. Entry fees are determined by the local centers. Riders are separated in heats, matching competitors of similar ability and skill level. The way the MultiRider World Championships works is that results from a race on a 6.2-mile (10KM) course are uploaded to a rankings database at www.computrainer.com. At the end of March, the fastest overall male and female riders will be awarded a new CompuTrainer unit and software, valued at over $1500.00. Age group winners will receive CompuTrainer MultiRider fleece jackets.

Not only is MultiRider racing an exciting indoor sport on its own, it is also a way for competition cyclists to accurately gauge fitness levels in preparation for the upcoming season. In addition, center managers report considerable interest among recreational riders looking to experience the thrills of bicycle racing for the first time.

The MultiRider unit allows riders to compete and train in a group environment. In an indoor time trial, riders race on up to eight laboratory matched CompuTrainers, lined up side by side on their own bikes, facing a large screen showing the course profile, each rider’s position on the course, and each rider’s race data including distance, elapsed time, and instantaneous/average/peak speed and power.

The number of CompuTrainer MultiRider centers more than doubled since the Interbike cycling trade show in October 2004. “Our store hasn’t opened yet, but there are about 20 to 35 people who have already expressed interest in participating in the indoor time trials,” says Edward Johnston of Endeavor Sports in San Ramon, California, one of the newest MultiRider center additions. “We will definitely begin taking part as soon as we open.”

There are presently 35 MultiRider centers in 18 states across the USA, along with an additional 17 spread out among six other countries, with Canada accounting for 11. New locations are added weekly, helping create a new cultural movement in cycling.

Many of the center managers are excited that the MultiRider experience is gaining popularity across a broad spectrum of customers. “It has a social and competitive component,” shares Laurin Stennis of Cycling Specifics, another MultiRider center in Carrboro, North Carolina. “People come here and find friends, coaches, riding partners-people that they can trade techniques-and enjoy training with the technology.”

Keith Anderson of Cycle Fitness Academy, a MultiRider center located in Fraser, Michigan, adds: “I know many people look at the specialized benefits of CompuTrainer, particularly what it can do to enhance a rider’s time. I look at it from the larger perspective of fitness. The CompuTrainer MultiRider can appeal to anyone because 9 out of 10 people rode a bike at some point in their life. It is comfortable and natural. Most of America is overweight. We can counteract that if we get more people on bikes. You have to continually stress your body to make positive adjustments. CompuTrainer is great because it is continuous pedaling.”

Although the CompuTrainer MultiRider experience is relatively new on the market, this winter it is rapidly gaining popular support as an alternative to existing forms of cycling. To find the nearest MultiRider center, visit http://www.computrainer.com/multirider_fun.htm For general information, visit www.racermateinc.com