(July 7, 2010) California Giant Berry Farms, one of the nation’s largest grower-shippers of fresh berries, has sponsored a cycling team for ten years and is proud of the significant growth of this program with regard to rider successes and fan loyalty over the years. The company is also committed to the programs continued success and contributing to the health of American consumers by providing an abundant, healthy & delicious product. California Giant believes in programs like cycling and other organizations that send positive messages about the importance of combining diet and exercise as part of a healthy lifestyle.
The 2009 Cal Giant Cycling Cross Team saw Cody Kaiser become US National Junior Champion and Meredith Miller US Silver medalist and top placing Elite Woman at UCI Cyclocross Championship, and place 12th at Worlds. The 2010 squad has a few new faces including Jesse Anthony and Teal Stetson-Lee complimenting the successful returning squad including Cody Kaiser now competing in the U23 Elite men category.
“I am very excited to be part of the Cal Giant Team this year and consider this a great opportunity in my career to join a program that is so well organized and supported”, says Jesse Anthony. Teal Stetson-Lee adds “As a developing rider I am greatly looking forward to the support and experience that California Giant will undoubtedly provide me with”. Stetson-Lee joins the team as the Women’s Collegiate National Champion; in addition to Jesse Anthony, a seven-time national champion. Rounding out the team will be Jeremy Ferguson. The 2010 team will compete in USGP and select UCI races in both the United States and Europe. Throughout the upcoming Cross season team members will also be selected to compete in regional events in California, Washington, Colorado and the New England area.
Teaming up with Specialized, the California Giant Cyclocross team will be riding the new CruX. “The all-new Specialized CruX is engineered to be the Cyclocross racer’s first choice for weekday romps and weekend racing. Its E5 alloy tubing is manipulated to provide optimum stiffness, ride quality, and the durability cross demands. The smart internal cable routing keeps cables moving freely despite gruesome conditions, and the top tube is shaped for easy shouldering. The super stiff FACT fork has a unique forged 1-piece cable hanger that provides superior braking without the ear-splitting squeal associated with headset or stem mounted hangers. The revised geometry and 1.125”-to-1.5” tapered steerer combine to yield awesome steering precision in rough off cambers. This consummate race tool performs without drama so that all focus is directed towards the finish line.” Additional high quality equipment sponsors include, SRAM, ZIPP and TRP Brakes. Other key team sponsors include Oakley Sunglasses, Clif Bar, Showers Pass, Squadra and Base Performance Nutrition.
“Supporting the California Giant Berry team allows Specialized to get links into top amateur athletes and top races all over the country. With a focus on developing young talent and supporting established racers – the Cal Giant team has a tremendous reach for Specialized. With a top notch program focused on developing National Champions year after year – the California Giant Cyclocross team has built on success year over year” says Ian Dewar, USA Partnership Manager for Specialized.
The 2010 team roster is as follows:
Jesse Anthony Beverly, MA
Justin Robinson Santa Cruz, CA
Nick Weighall Mill Creek, WA
Jeremy Ferguson Sacramento, CA
Cody Kaiser El Dorado Hills, CA
Meredith Miller Fort Collins, CO
Teal Stetson-Lee Durango, CO
The team comes together in September in Watsonville California for a training camp and to finalize the race programs for the individual riders. Team members will have the opportunity to tour California Giant corporate offices and meet the staff. Ultimately, between training and racing, team members serve as spokespersons for the company and the products they produce.
