TEAM RAGE
/ HARPOON / INTERNATIONAL / DRIED PLUMS ANNOUNCES 2002 TEAM
TOP-RANKED
NEW ENGLAND MOUNTAIN BIKE RACING TEAM GETS STRONGER FOR ITS 3RD
SEASON
April 1, 2002 (Boston) Team Rage / Harpoon / International
/ Dried Plums is back for itıs 3rd season and the team announced
its roster of sponsored pro and expert racers today.
"Weıre back stronger than ever," said team captain Doug Hoch.
The team has one of the most unique racing programs in the country
its goal is to promote recreational mountain bike racing. Any
member of the 600-person Boston-based club can ride for the team
from novice to expert, no tryout necessary -- thanks to the
generous sponsorship of the Harpoon Brewery. In 2001, over 300
race slots were filled by riders in a Harpoon / International
/ Dried Plums jersey and results included multiple national, regional
and 24-hour championships.
In addition to sponsoring club riders, the team also supports
New Englandıs most promising Pro and Expert riders. This year
weıre excited to announce the teamıs lineup for 2002.
Double World Masters Champion Dawn Bourque (in both cross country
and downhill) joins the team along with national expert series
runner-up Sara Bresnick and seasoned pro Karen DeWolfe.
After leading the New England race series in 2001, Ben Moody
and Adam Bucklin are back and upgrading to the pro class after
taking the semi-pro division in 2001. One of the regionıs top
developing riders, Nate Ringquist is back racing in the Expert
class as is national finals sport champion Dave Currie. Dave will
be riding in the Expert class this year. Two-time 24-hour champion
Gary Contic will anchor the team in 24-hour races in his quest
to qualify for the 24-hour World Championships.
The team will ride in all five of the NORBA national championship
series races in addition to the EFTA New England Championship
series. Contic will lead the teamıs 24-hour efforts at the 24-hours
of Adrenaline and other East Coast venues in his effort to qualify
again for the World Championships.
"Weıre thrilled to support some of the best racers in New England,"
said team manager Jon McNeill. "Who knows, maybe weıll surprise
ourselves again in 2002. We didnıt predict the success we had
last year. Just allowing the racers to concentrate on their racing
resulted in big gains for each of our riders. Weıre hoping to
see the same thing in 2002. The New England cycling community
is lucky to have supporters like Harpoon, International and Dried
Plums. We thank our lucky stars everyday to be representing their
brands with championship caliber people both on and off the
bike."
The team is managed by a group of volunteers -- Doug Hoch will
head up the teamıs road activities as well as scouting out developing
riders. Jim Urbine will manage the club racing program, Jon McNeill
will manage the team and sponsorships, and Christine Hagg manages
the teamıs website. Information about the team and the club can
be found at www.ragemtb.com/team.
The team will compete on Gary Fisher bicycles with support from
International Bicycle Centers, Pedros, and Panaracer. Riders are
fueled by New Englandıs finest microbrew Harpoon and by the
best in all-natural energy foods California Dried Plums.
To pick up the latest energy, snack and nutrition updates, please
visit the California Dried Plums website at www.CaliforniaDriedPlums.org.
The team will represent California Dried Plums at events around
in the country in addition to giving product samples at each event.
Founded in 1986, the Harpoon Brewery distributes its locally
brewed products throughout the Northeast. The Harpoon Brewery's
line of craft beer features nine year-round beers, including its
signature Harpoon I.P.A., and four special seasonal selections.
In June 2000, the Harpoon Brewery purchased the Catamount Brewery
in Windsor, Vermont. For information on Brewery Tours and events,
call 1-888-HARPOON or visit their website at www.harpoonbrewery.com.
International Bicycle Centers in the Boston-areaıs largest bicycle
retailer and has locations in Brighton and Newton, Massachusetts.
International features Gary Fisher, Trek, Santa Cruz, Klein, Specialized,
LeMond, Merlin, Independent Fabrications, Pedros and other top
brands. Visit them at www.internationalbike.com.
A team fact sheet and rider
bios follow.
