Backed by continued support from title sponsor Vanderkitten Clothing, the team announced on Tuesday that it has finalized its 8-rider roster for the 2009 season. Jennifer Wilson, Liz Hatch, Melissa Sanborn and Leigh Hopkins (Valletti) return to lead the team in capturing the US Crit Series team title once again in 2009. With the additions of Laura Bowles, Melodie Metzger , Virginia Perkins and Elisabeth Williams, the team will have added experience and the additional horsepower needed to challenge the tough NRC race schedule.
Recently appointed Team Race Manager, Jeff Hopkins commented, “I am really looking forward to the opportunity to work with everyone on the roster. It seems to me that Vanderkitten Racing has all of the pieces in place to be a great team. I am proud to see the enthusiastic support of Vanderkitten along with the support of Stork Bicycles. We look forward to this years season and are ready for the challenges ahead.”
2009 Vanderkitten Racing Team:
Laura Bowles [Ashville, NC]
Liz Hatch [San Francisco, CA]
Leigh Hopkins [Decatur, GA]
Melodie Metzger [Berkeley, CA]
Virginia Perkins [Berkeley, CA]
Melissa Sandborn [Portland, OR]
Elisabeth Williams [Auckland City, NZ]
Jennifer Wilson [West Hills, CA]
———————–
Haley Beann [Fayetteville, NC]
Jennifer Greenberg [Oakland, CA]
Charlotte Hart [Merced, CA]
Mary Maroon [Oakland, CA]
The mission of The Vanderkitten Racing Women’s Elite Cycling Team is to promote health, well being and equality for women in professional cycling. The VK cycling team is committed to the development of young riders and increasing participation and visibility of women in the sport of cycling.