BERKELEY, CA (BRAIN)—Vanderkitten has established Vanderkitten Racing, an experienced and talented team of elite women cyclists contesting the NRC Road circuit in 2008.
Growing on the success of the one-woman team of Liz Hatch in 2007, Vanderkitten will be fielding a six-woman elite team as well as developmental and regional support riders.
"Our success in sponsoring Liz Hatch in 2007 has convinced us that Vanderkitten and cycling go hand in hand. Our focus next year will be the majority of the NRC calendar, and to that effect we have signed four immensely talented girls with another two athletes to be announced shortly," said Vanderkitten's Mark Zefeldt.
The current roster includes Leigh Valletti of Atlanta, GA, Mandy Lozano of Charlottesville, VA, Christine Vardaros of Mill Valley, CA, with Liz Hatch of Delray Beach, FL returning for another season. The team is accepting resumes and is in serious talks with several bike companies and corporate sponsors.
"Vanderkitten is thrilled to support these hard working, vibrant athletes and the sport of Women's Cycling. We're all looking forward to the upcoming season with great anticipation. Vanderkitten's mission since its inception is to create a long-term relationship with cycling and raise the bar of sponsorships for women athletes. High profile athletes provide a tremendous marketing value to all parties associated with their image. Women influence both female and male purchasing decisions. Why, then, have women typically earned less than 10 percent of most pro male athletes salaries?" asked Vanderkitten's founder David Verrecchia.
Vanderkitten introduced a line of clothing and cycling apparel at Interbike whose proceeds go directly to build and support the cycling program.
For more information please visit www.vanderkitten.com.
