Renowned U.S. Professional Women’s Cycling Teams Confirmed

Accomplished Field of Professional Female Riders Assembled for Santa Rosa Race

LOS ANGELES, February 15, 2008 – The most well-renowned professional women’s cycling teams in the United States will be represented in the first edition of the Amgen Tour of California Women's Criterium presented by the Redwood Regional Breast Center, it was confirmed today by race presenter AEG.

With representation from 28 elite professional women’s cycling teams, the Women’s Criterium will be an exciting and challenging competition, kicking off the women’s cycling season. As a new component to the 2008 Amgen Tour of California professional road cycling race, the Women’s Criterium will bring the thrill of professional women’s cycling to fans in the hours before the men’s finish in downtown Santa Rosa. Using portions of the Stage 1 men’s finishing circuit in Santa Rosa, the newest addition to the National Racing Calendar (NRC) promises to be an exciting and historic event for racers and fans alike. Held on Monday, Feb. 18 during the Amgen Tour of California, the Women's Criterium will consist of a field of 125 riders competing for more than $10,000 in prizes.

"The response from women's cycling teams when presented with an opportunity to take part in the Amgen Tour of California Women's Criterium has been robust and enthusiastic,” said Laura Charameda, race director. “The event will boast top talent, and we can expect an aggressive race from a highly-motivated women's field. I am very encouraged to see that we're getting such good feedback from the women's elite cycling community for the event's first edition."

The 2008 Amgen Tour of California Women’s Criterium roster includes representation from top American women’s cycling teams including, Aaron’s, Cheerwine, Colavitta/Sutterhome, Proman, Team High Road, Tibco and ValueAct Capital.

"I've been in Sonoma County all week with the ValueAct Capital team for our training camp,” said Katie Mactier, Australian World Champion, riding for ValueAct Capital Cycling Team. “I'm really looking forward to racing with the girls again in the Amgen Tour of California Women’s Criterium. We have a very strong team; and I know the competition will be very good and we plan to go out there and win."