December 15, 2005
TARGETRAINING announced today that it will join the US professional peloton as a UCI Continental Team for 2006. TARGETRAINING will focus on the US national race calendar circuit.  While it is new, it brings both excellent management and a capable and experienced roster of racers.
 
TARGETRAINING recognizes the importance of leadership in its new role and has brought in Tom Schuler as the team manager. Tom Schuler’s track record in building and running professional cycling teams is outstanding.  Tom joins TARGETRAINING from the Advantage Benefits Endeavour team, and before that managed the Saturn team.  
 
Rick Crawford is TARGETRAINING’s Head Coach and coaches every member of the team.  This role is especially critical to a team that is focused on winning by continuously developing the capabilities of its riders. Rick is one of the preeminent coaches in cycling, having groomed a list of cyclists that include Levi Leipheimer, Tom Danielson, and Chris Wherry.  Rick also runs the top ranked Fort Lewis College program.
 
TARGETRAINING has built a team to tackle the most challenging US venues.  The 2006 squad will be co-captained by Anthony Colby and Frank Pipp.  Anthony has shown strong climbing ability, winning the Green Mountain Stage Race in Vermont, finishing second to Tyler Hamilton in the Mount Washington Hill Climb, and placing well in a number of National Race Calendar events.   Frank Pipp led the Advantage Benefits Endeavour team in 2005.  The winner of the 2005 Superweek Sprinters title, Frank is an excellent finisher, and brings big race experience to the program.
 
To go along with the co-captains, Tom Schuler and Rick Crawford have lined up a squad with a blend of experience and promise. Todd Wells, professional mountain biker and national level cross rider, will join the team for key events.  Alejandro Acton will add pop, as seen by his podium finish in the Athens Twilight Criterium.  Ryan Blickem, Josh Bezecny and Dustin MacBurnie will offer time trialing and climbing capability. Eneas Freyre, Dan Greenfield, Wes Hartman and Matt Shriver will provide additional power for both road events and criteriums.   The team is ready for the full NRC calendar.
 
Rick Spear, CEO of TARGETRAINING, said about the team: “We are a company devoted to help our clients attain excellence in everyday fitness and in competition.  The TARGETRAINING Pro Cycling Team shows investment both in the sport as well as in athletes that we work with and develop.  Tom Schuler and Rick Crawford bring patience, insight and the will to succeed. Together, Tom and Rick will give our racers the best chance to excel.”  Tom Schuler, Team Manager, said “I am excited to be part of this program.  TARGETRAINING’s sponsorship is unique because it is focused on developing athletes and on fitness.  I hope that my experience will help make TARGETRAINING’s program a success in 2006”. Rick Crawford added “TARGETRAINING is committed to the sport.  I am personally extremely focused on providing this team with the best coaching it can get.”
 
TARGETRAINING Professional Cycling is proud to be sponsored by GT Bicycles, who is critical to the team’s efforts in 2006. It would also like to warmly thank Champion System (clothing), American Classic (wheels), Full Speed Ahead (cranks), Profile Design (handlebars/stems), Speedplay (pedals), Michelin (tires) and Rudy Project (helmets and sunglasses). All of the sponsors are providing exceptional product for the team to use.
 
More may be found about the team at www.TARGETRAINING.com/racing.