MINUTE MAID/DASANI-LA GRANGE MEN'S ELITE CYCLING TEAM MAKE THEIR REDLANDS DEBUT

By Great Scott Productions

When the 19th Annual Redlands Bicycle Classic kicked off yesterday (April 1) in Redlands, California, there was a new elite men's amateur squad making their debut amongst the pro contingents. For the first time, the Minute Maid/Dasani-La Grange from Westwood, California sent a team to compete in American's premiere stage race, which runs through Sunday (April 6th). The field is comprised of top professional teams from all over the world and every year hundreds of amateur teams vie for invitations to compete. Minute Maid/Dasani-La Grange was one of only two amateur teams selected for entry this year.

"We're thrilled about this opportunity to showcase our elite men's team and to represent our sponsors at Redlands," stated race director David Keire. "Our seven-man squad is a mix of international and local talent. Although we expect it to be a very challenging stage race, we hope to be competitive and learn a lot in the process. One thing for sure is that our guys will be out there fighting valiantly."

Thus far this season, the Minute Maid/Dasani-La Grange elite men's squad has scored 17 Top 10 placings and ten podium (Top 3) appearances. The team lineup for Redlands consists of:

Victor Ayala (Mexico - category 1)
Matt Bromen (USA - category 1)
Josh Horowitz (USA - category 1)
Nathan Russell (Australia - professional)
Mark Newton (USA - category 2)
Stuart Press (USA - category 2)
Geoff Rapoport (USA - category 2)

The Redlands Bicycle Classic began Tuesday with a 5 km prologue individual time trial and is comprised of five additional stages: a 100 km circuit race that was held today; a 130 km road race tomorrow (April 3); a 105 km road race on Friday (April 4); a 90-minute criterium on Saturday (April 5); and a 142 km road race on Sunday (April 6).

For the 2003 racing season, the Velo Club La Grange Westwood competes under the moniker "Minute Maid/Dasani-La Grange," so named for its title sponsors. Founded in 1969, Velo Club La Grange Westwood supports bicycle racing and recreation. There are more than 300 active members, 100 of whom are racers licensed by USA Cycling. Velo Club La Grange Westwood has a legacy that includes Olympic medalists, Tour de France stage winners, World Champions, National Champions, and State Champions, which underlines the club's commitment to racing. Minute Maid/Dasani-La Grange also has an elite women's team competing at Redlands. Additional information on the club can be found at www.lagrange.org.

Information on the Redlands Bicycle Classic is available at www.redlandsclassic.com.

Contact: Rick Scott 310.274.0248
email: greatscottpr@pacificnet.net