PROMAN'S MENTORING PROGRAM

15 year old Ruth Winder rode with teamates; Current Pro Super D National Champ, Rachel Lloyd, Masters National MTB Champ Julia Violich and 30+ National Team Pursuit and Team Sprint Champ Helene Drumm. The fab four did a three hour ride up Mount Tamalpais in Marin County, CA. The purpose of the ride was to offer Ruth, a very talented up and coming rider, additional skills to add to her already packed arsenal.

"Passing along our years of experience to the next generation is critical to the forward movement of women's development in the U.S" commented Lloyd "And its just so rad to see a 15 year old knock elbows with me!"
















Ruth is the current series leader in the Junior Varsity division of the NorCal High School League series.

"The structure of the team seems to be in a really amazing place right now, there is a great synergy between the elite, development, and junior riders. The formula is working" quoted Violich. It is very fulfilling to share a passion with young riders and to know we are influencing their lives both on and off the bike"


















"By watching and riding with Rachel, Julia and Helene has already increased my technical abilities. My confidence riding mountain bikes has increased, all of this will make me a better rider and a better racer" Ruth Winder

Shelley Olds will be racing her road season debut, Cats Hill Classic on Saturday but not before coaching her junior athletes from the sidelines in earlier races.

Cari Higgins, Boulder resident will be back with her flock of ducklings in a week or so, to continue with her junior program while training for upcoming Tulsa Tough and then for the postponed Pan American Championships.

Betina Hold offers tactical advice to the youngsters and is often found riding with them and will also attend Cat's Hill Classic

Multiple National masters track champ, Lorraine Jarvis will be assisting at the Women's clinic at Hellyer velodrome this Saturday and Shelley and Hanan Alves-Hyde will be mentoring Sunday.























"I am enjoying the combination of ages, the elite riders feel the youngsters nipping at their heels and the younger riders aspire to race like their elite counterparts. Being a part of advancement of the next generation is an exciting feeling and brings much more depth to my job. Its so much fun to be surrounded by enthusiasm and tireless energy. I have always stated that our program extends past the podium and this just solidifies that " Remarked team manager, Nicola Cranmer. The mentoring program not only covers the bike but PROMAN's elite athletes can often be found giving advice on relationships and even helping with homework!"












Julia Violich with her son

MEET PROMAN'S CHRISTINA YGLESIAS 16 years old

I got into cycling after being in other sports for years. I got shinsplints running cross country and track. My original intent was to use the bike as a way to stay fit until I could run cross country again, but I became hooked on cycling. I have been racing for a bit over a year, and I love the track and crits. I am lucky to have such nice and talented teammates, and I really appreciate the support of everyone on the team. My goals for this season are to learn more tactically, and to gain as much race experience as I can. I have been training harder than ever (with the help of Shelley as my coach) and I am really excited to continue racing. My ultimate goal is to earn a spot on the national team. ~ Christina

Race highlights
2008 Track, Crit, and road nats
2009 Davis Junior Crit
2009 Cherry Pie Crit (juniors 17-18)



















Christina's favorite quote: It never gets easier, you just go faster. -Greg Lemond

Cyclisme Criterium Feminin de la Ville D'Agen, France

Cyclisme Criterium Feminin de la Ville D'Agen, France

2nd Megan Guarnier

It was a 40 lap criterium (about 70km) and on lap 4, Devon Haskell and I broke away from the main field with one other rider. With about 30 laps to go, we dropped the third rider and worked together to stay away for the entire race. It was cold and raining, and the course was very slick, so we used caution on every corner. After the descent, there was a hairpin corner with two crosswalks, painted arrows, and lots of unnecessary white paint, which got the better of my on lap 8. But after collecting myself and a getting ssistance from Jerika Hutchinson, I was able to get back up to Devon within a lap. ~ Megan

NOR CAL HIGH SCHOOL LEAGUE - WIN!

Junior Varsity
1st Ruth Winder (15 yrs)

Series Leader
Ruth Winder

Photo by Fiona Winder

DANA POINT NRC - 4th

4th Coryn Rivera
Cari Higgins
Ashley Anderson
Nicole Brandt
Christen King
Ashley Dymond























VELO NEWS * See race notes at Bottom




Image by Mitch Clinton

WENTE CRITERIUM - WIN!

1st Hanan Alves-Hyde



Image Paul Doran

U.S CUP - SANTA YNEZ - WIN!

Cat 1
1st Abby Cooper

MARIN SPINE & WELLNESS PARTNERS WITH PROMAN

Marin Spine and Wellness Center is a comprehensive resource for people who need help recovering from injuries or who want to reach their optimal potential. By integrating progressive hands on techniques and exercises with the latest advances in technology, we provide safe and effective alternatives to injections, prescription drugs and surgery.


We employ a unique blend of protocols:

• Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression
• Spinal and Pelvic Alignment
• Active Release Technique (A.R.T)
• Cold Laser Therapy
• Core Strength and Rehabilitation
• Kinesio Tape
• Neuromuscular Training
• Earth FX Recovery System

Just to name a few….

Our philosophy is to create a balanced biomechanical system that recovers from stress quickly and we do this by optimizing the function of your muscles, joints and nerves. We will carefully assess and release joint and muscle restrictions to create “strain-free” motion. We also figure out which muscles are weak that can be causing an imbalance and abnormal compensation.


Our goal is to get you back into the game as quickly as possible. Our unique analysis and treatment is based on the winning formula used in 8 Tour De France Victories. Now that some of the secrets are out in the public…it is time to get an evaluation.
Please contact Dr Chappy Wood at 415-924-8398
or visit
www.marinspineandwellness.com


Our goal is to get you back into the game as quickly as possible. Our unique analysis and treatment is based on the winning formula used in 8 Tour De France Victories. Now that some of the secrets are out in the public…it is time to get an evaluation.
Please contact Dr Chappy Wood at 415-924-8398
or visit
www.marinspineandwellness.com

2009 Sea Otter Women's Super D Start

Ever seen the start of a Super D race?? See Rachel Lloyd. She ended up 3rd

HELLYER TUESDAY NIGHT RACES - win

Points Race #1
1st Hanan Alves-Hyde

Race #2
1st Hanan Alves-Hyde

A strong field of 20 women showed up for a balmy nights racing. PROMAN's Hanan Alves-Hyde won both points races. Congratulations Hanan!

ANDREU & PROMAN JUNIOR PROGRAM

CARI HIGGINS TO RACE PAN AM CHAMPIONSHIPS FOR USA

Marin County, CA. (April 20, 2009)-USA Cycling today announced the nomination of PROMAN Hit Squad rider Cari Higgins to represent the USA at the upcoming Pan American Championships in Mexico. Higgins is the current elite National Champion in 500m, match sprint, Keirin and team sprint. Cari had a successful winter campaign in Australia with wins and podiums at the Melbourne Revolution and Tasmanian Carnivals.

PROMAN'S CARI HIGGINS TO RACE PAN AM CHAMPIONSHIPS FOR USA

Marin County, CA. (April 20, 2009)-USA Cycling today announced the nomination of PROMAN Hit Squad rider Cari Higgins to represent the USA at the upcoming Pan American Championships in Mexico. Higgins is the current elite National Champion in 500m, match sprint, Keirin and team sprint. Cari had a successful winter campaign in Australia with wins and podiums at the Melbourne Revolution and Tasmanian Carnivals.

Cari Higgins by Rob Evans

"It is an honor to get the chance to represent the US National Team in international competition", commented Higgins. "I am looking forward to the high level of competition and mixing it up on the boards in Mexico".

Higgins has been racing for four years. She is a mentor for the new PROMAN junior program, as well as a founder of the Boulder-based Flatiron Flyers Junior Cycling Project.

“I am very happy for another opportunity to get another PROMAN rider to a Championship event. Not only is Cari currently the best sprinter in the U.S she is a fantastic ambassador for the sport.” Stated team manager Nicola Cranmer

Cari will complete her Pan Am training at the ADT Velodrome in Carson, CA over the next few weeks.

About PROMAN Women's Professional Cycling / UCI Pro Track Team
The PROMAN Women’s Professional Cycling Team is dedicated to promoting the enjoyable and ethical growth of American cycling for women, and serving as a platform for women to earn berths on the United States National Cycling, Mountain Bike and Cyclocross Teams. PROMAN works in partnership with USA Cycling, the UCI and the Agency for Sporting Ethics (ASE), which in 2007 created the most aggressive anti-doping program in professional sports. All PROMAN riders and staff support a strict Code of Conduct, striving to treat competitors, race organizers, national and international cycling officials, spectators and fans with the highest standards of fairness, character, kindness and respect. The team believes in and loves the bicycle as a force for positive social change, an environmentally responsible transportation option and a healthy, enjoyable way of life for boys, girls, men and women of all ages.
Product sponsors include BMC, Rudy Project, SRAM, Northwave, WTB, Clif Bar, Skins, Arundel and Ritchey Design.

For more information visit
http://www.promanracing.com/
Team updates via: http://twitter.com/nicolacranmer.

CHUCK PONTIUS CRITERIUM

4th Coryn Rivera

SEA OTTER SUPER D - PODIUM

3rd Rachel Lloyd

SEA OTTER CX - Expert win

Expert CX 39-44
1st Julia Violich
Expert
4th Abby Cooper

SEA OTTER CIRCUIT RACE 1/2/3 - podium

4th Coryn Rivera

PROMAN welcomes Coryn Rivera!

SEA OTTER CRITERIUM 1/2/3 - podium

Cat 1/2/3
3rd Coryn Rivera (17 yrs)
8th Ruth Winder (15 yrs)
Christina Yglesias

Cat 4 open
Nikka Vanden Dries (14 yrs)
Claire Jensen (13 yrs)

PROMAN WOMEN’S PROFESSIONAL CYCLING TEAM EXPANDS JUNIOR PROGRAM

Contact: FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Nicola Cranmer, General Manager
Email: ncranmer@aol.com
Tel: 415.246.8791

PROMAN WOMEN’S PROFESSIONAL CYCLING TEAM EXPANDS JUNIOR PROGRAM
Building on Early Season Success of Its Junior Squad, PROMAN Plans National Campaign

Marin County, Calif., April 13, 2009 – The PROMAN Women’s Professional Cycling Team today announced plans to expand its new Junior development program. After successes at multiple NorCal regional events already this season, the four-woman squad will compete in its first national level event at Sea Otter this Thursday and Friday, April 16-17, with plans to participate in other national caliber events throughout 2009.

The four members of PROMAN’s inaugural Junior program are:

- Claire Jensen, age 13, 2008 National Track Champion and NCNCA State TT Champion
- Nikka van den Dries, age 14, 2008 NCNCA State Champion in RR, TT, Crit and Track
- Ruth Winder, age 15, 2008 NCNCA State TT Champion
- Christina Yglesias, age 16, 2008 NCNCA State Champion in RR, Crit and Track

“We’re excited about our Junior program and delighted about how well it’s come together already this season,” explained founder and General Manager, Nicola Cranmer. “We’ve built our team one step at a time with the help of extremely supportive sponsors and members of the community. We’re hoping to boost junior cycling at the national level by supporting young women who have already distinguished themselves at the regional and state levels.”

Ruth Winder can win on the road and on the dirt. Photo by Robert Lowe.

The PROMAN Women’s Professional Cycling Team is comprised of eight professional riders, including Track Worlds veteran Shelley Olds (2008 Elite National Scratch Race Champion and US National Team member), Rachel Lloyd (2008 PRO Super D National Champion and US National Team member) and Cari Higgins (2008 Elite 4x National Track Champion). These riders have been coaching and mentoring the PROMAN Juniors, sharing valuable experience to the promising young athletes.


















Passing it on: State and National Champs Olds, Cranmer, Higgins and Lloyd inspire – and are inspired by – their Juniors

All four Juniors participated in the USAC development clinics held in Santa Rosa, California, last year. While instructing these young riders, Cranmer and Olds came up with the idea of a Junior development squad. “The desire to start a Junior program was a direct result of observing these young women” reported Olds. “We wanted to help them succeed, as well as invest in the future of our sport.”

Cranmer went on to explain that there is still a disproportionate amount of money and product support going to men’s cycling programs and even to men’s squads on co-ed teams. The PROMAN Women’s Professional Cycling Team continues to raise awareness and build a following, with hopes of not only establishing itself as a prominent North American women’s team, but generating more interest and financial support for its Juniors who may go on to be some of the next generation of cycling champions.

“I feel that investing in Junior riders – girls in particular – is critical to the growth of cycling in the US,” asserted Cranmer. “Recently appointed USAC athletic director, Jim Miller, has assured me that he will continue to focus on women's development. Miller has successfully expanded the women's road endurance program resulting in world class contenders and Olympic gold. I have complete faith in Jim's ability to continue to develop a new and exciting paradigm for female racers in the US."




















The four Juniors with GM, Cranmer. Photo by Rob Evans.

About PROMAN Women's Professional Cycling / UCI Pro Track Team
The PROMAN Women’s Professional Cycling Team is dedicated to promoting the enjoyable and ethical growth of American cycling for women, and serving as a platform for women to earn berths on the United States National Cycling, Mountain Bike and Cyclocross Teams. PROMAN works in partnership with USA Cycling, the UCI and the Agency for Sporting Ethics (ASE), which in 2007 created the most aggressive anti-doping program in professional sports. All PROMAN riders and staff support a strict Code of Conduct, striving to treat competitors, race organizers, national and international cycling officials, spectators and fans with the highest standards of fairness, character, kindness and respect. The team believes in and loves the bicycle as a force for positive social change, an environmentally responsible transportation option and a healthy, enjoyable way of life for boys, girls, men and women of all ages. Product sponsors include BMC, Rudy Project, SRAM, Northwave, WTB, Clif Bar, Skins, Arundel and Ritchey Design.
For more information visit
www.proman-paradigm.blogspot.com and
www.promanracing.com.
Team updates via: http://twitter.com/nicolacranmer.

COPPEROPOLIS

Junior 13/14
2nd Nikka Van Den Dries (14 yrs)
Cat 4
3rd Julia Violich
Cat 3
9th Ruth Winder (15 yrs)

BACK IN BLACK

Shelley Olds, Rachel Lloyd, Cari Higgins and Nicola Cranmer
By Rob Evans

MEGAN GUARNIER IN PINK

Nikka Van Den Dries age 14, 7th Santa Cruz Classic

Nikka raced at the front of the challenging Santa Cruz Classic Criterium and finished a fabulous and glamorous 7th!

NORCAL MOUNTAIN BIKE LEAGUE - WIN!

1st Ruth Winder (15 yrs)

Junior Varsity Girls
One of the closest finishes of the day was between Ruth Winder (Independent) and Victoria Yoham (Marin Catholic). Winder claimed her first victory of the series, just 13 seconds ahead of the fast-finishing Yoham who had bested Winder in the two previous races of the 2009 season. Courtney Crosta (Woodcreek) was third at 6:48. The two went clear of the 27-rider field on the first climb, and Winder opened a gap on the first singletrack section and was more than a minute clear going into the second lap. But Yoham came back on Lap Two. “She’s pretty strong on the climbs,” remarked Winder. The two remained together until the funnel into the final singletrack section where Yoham slid out on a hard right-hander. “We knew the first rider into that singletrack would probably win it so we were battling it out… I saw she was OK, which was good, and then just went as fast as I could,” said Winder. “My goal was to win one race,” said Winder, who now has retrained her sights on the leader’s jersey. Yoham holds a narrow lead in the series with 1565 to Winder’s 1555

SANTA CRUZ CLASSIC

Cat 4
7th Nikka Van Den Dries (14 yrs)

Cat 1/2
9th Rachel Lloyd
Cari Higgins
Hanan Alves-Hyde
Christina Yglesias (16 yrs)