November 6/02 1:06 am - Team Saturn Announced for 2003

Posted by Editoress on 11/6/02
 

Team Saturn 2003
Courtesy Giana Roberge, Team Saturn

In the rich tradition of world-class cycling teams, Saturn has announced an exciting roster for the 2003 season. While there are still a few spots to fill for both the men's and women's squads, the team is ready to begin the new season with a renewed sense of enthusiasm and commitment.

New for 2003 is men's team coach Andrzej Bek, a native of Poland, who has been involved in cycling as a racer, an Olympian and a coach for more than 30 years. With a degree in coaching from the Polish Cycling Federation and Institute of Sport, Bek, 51, has both the experience and the skills to lead the reinforced Saturn Cycling men's team to a strong season. "Andrzej's skills are a perfect complement to the Saturn Cycling Team," says Tom Schuler, Team Saturn General Manager. "The athletes and staff alike respect his abilities and look forward to working with him to help field a winning men's program."

On the men's side, Bek will be working with a team of 13 men, 11 of whom have been signed to date. The men's squad has been reinforced in an effort to regain its 2001 position as the number-one-ranked team in the United States. To accomplish this goal, returning team members including former U.S. National Criterium Champion Rahsaan Bahati; Ivan Dominguez, who won the inaugural 2002 NYC Championships; 2002 Espoir U.S. National Road Race Champion, Will Frischkorn; 2001 U.S. National Cyclo-Cross Champion, Tim Johnson; former number-one-ranked U.S. rider Trent Klasna; Mark McCormack, who finished sixth at the 2002 USPRO Road Race Championships; and seven-time Canadian National Time Trial Champion Eric Wohlberg will be joined by a handful of talented and interesting bike racers who will round out the depth of experience on the team.

New to the men's team are current number-one-ranked U.S. cyclist Chris Horner; Tom Danielson, the impressive climber who smashed the Mt. Washington Hill Climb record in August; Belarus native and former Saturn Cycling Development Team member Viktor Repinski and up-and-coming U.S. racer Phil Zajicek who joins Saturn after two years with the Mercury Cycling Team. "I am looking forward to working with this talented group of bike racers who are truly world-class," says newly signed men's coach Andrzej Bek.

As the number-one-ranked women's team in the world, the Saturn Cycling women's powerhouse will race a schedule that will incorporate National Racing Calendar and Professional Cycling Tour events. The Saturn women's team will travel to Europe and Australia to prepare for the important North American competitions.

Returning in Saturn colors are German native Ina Teutenberg and U.S. National Road Champion Jessica Phillips. Newly signed to the team is 2002 Pro Cycling Tour Champion Laura Van Gilder, who will join Teutenberg in delivering those lightening-fast finishing speeds. Canadian Lyne Bessette will rejoin the Saturn Cycling Team bringing a wealth of experience and skill. Former triathlete Manon Jutras, a native of Quebec, will help round out the team's veterans. Young up-and-comers Sarah Uhl (U.S. National Track Champion) and Megan Elliot (U.S. Women's Espoir Road Champion) will bring promising skill and determination to the team and gain valuable experience learning from the race veterans.

"We are extremely pleased with the depth of experience on our roster," says Team Saturn Assistant General Manager and Women's Team Coach, Giana Roberge. "The athletes we have form a well-rounded team to tackle both the one-day events and stage races that make up the North American racing scene."