Congratulations to Alison Powers of the Colavita/Sutter Home Women’s Cycling Team presented by Cooking Light, the 2008 US National Time Trial Champion! As Kirsten Robbins writes, “Alison flew over the 33-kilometer time trial circuit” with a winning time of 49’19” and 1’131” ahead of second-place Mara Abbot (Team Columbia). Third-place finisher Chrissy Ruiter (Value Act Capital) followed 1’47” behind Alison. The undulating, out-and-back course, which began at Aliso Creek bikeway and followed the path to Santiago Canyon Road, was well-suited to Alison’s strengths, with 1287’ of climbing, most of it to leading to the turnaround point. As Alison told Kirsten, “We drove the course two days before and I liked it right away.” She continued, “The longer the course is, the more it works in my favor.” Alison has spent most of the 2008 racing season with the USA Cycling National Team based in Lucca, Italy.

Alison’s teammate Tina Pic finished 2nd in the Elite National Championship road race (details to follow).

Alison and Tina’s achievements cap what is shaping up as one of the best seasons for the teams. So far, the Colavita/Sutter Home Men’s Team has captured over 25 individual and team wins and 30 podium appearances. The Colavita/Sutter Home Women’s Team has achieved 22 wins and 16 podium appearances. Feel free to contact me for a complete list or visit the results pages of the team website.

About the sponsors of the Colavita/Sutter Home Cycling Teams presented by Cooking Light

Cycling is more than a sport for the Colavita/Sutter Home Cycling Teams presented by Cooking Light. It’s a heritage, passed down from generation to generation. Colavita/Sutter Home champions cycling’s future through support of pro men’s and women’s teams; the Colavita New Jersey U19 Racing Team, the largest junior cycling team on the East Coast; as well as recreational cycling clubs in 9 states, including California, Colorado, Georgia, Illinois, New Jersey, New Mexico, South Carolina, and Texas. Visit www.ColavitaSutterHome.com to learn more.

Colavita USA imports and distributes the #1 brand of Italian extra-virgin olive oil in the U.S. as well as durum wheat semolina pasta, a full selection of balsamic and wine vinegars, and many other fine Italian products. A family-owned business headquartered in Linden, NJ, Colavita has championed the sport of cycling throughout its 25+-year history. Through its charitable arm, the Colavita Foundation for Children, the company provides bicycles and helmets to children in need. To learn more about Colavita USA, please visit www.Colavita.com.

Sutter Home Winery is wholly owned and operated by the Trinchero family, Napa Valley vintners since 1948. The company produces the wines of Sutter Home, Trinchero, Montevina, Wild Bunch, Trinity Oaks, Folie à Deux, Ménage à Trois, Napa Cellars, the number one alcohol-removed wine, Fre, and imports Angove’s, Reynolds Vineyards and Little Boomey wines of Australia. For more information, visit www.tfewines.com.Founded in 1987, Cooking Light www.cookinglight.com/cooking is the world’s largest food magazine. Each month, more than 11 million consumers turn to Cooking Light to “eat smart, be fit and live well.” CookingLight.com provides daily food and fitness updates, healthy recipes and nutrition advice to millions of unique visitors every year.

For the 2008 season, the Colavita/Sutter Home Cycling Teams presented by Cooking Light will be riding Jamis super-light Xenith SL road frames and the revolutionary Xenith T2 time trial bikes supplied by Jamis Bicycles, designed and marketed by the G. Joannou Cycle Company (GJC) of Northvale, NJ. Established in 1937 by the father of CEO and President Carine Joannou, GJC ranks among the largest bicycle companies under private ownership in the US. For more information about Jamis and to view the complete line of bicycles, please visit www.JamisBikes.com.

The bikes are fully equipped with Shimano components, wheels, shoes, and pedals, Easton handlebars, stems, and seat posts, Fizik saddles, Vittoria tires, and TRP Brake levers for time trial bikes. Team jerseys are provided by Giordana; helmets, glasses, and bags are supplied by Rudy Project. Additional sponsors of the Colavita/Sutter Home Cycling Teams presented by Cooking Light include American Suzuki Motor Corporation, Dominator Clothing, GU Sports, and Headsweats.

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