Louis Garneau To Sponsor Team Type 1

Six years after the sponsorship of the Saturn Professional Cycling Team, Louis Garneau is proud to once again partner with Tom Schuler, founder of Team Sports, Inc. and General Manager of Team Type 1.

The helmet and apparel sponsorship of Team Type 1, the only professional cycling team in the world with a mission to instill hope and inspiration for people around the world affected by diabetes, will represent a milestone in Louis Garneau history and a stepping stone of brand development similar to impact the Saturn Professional Cycling Team bestowed on Louis Garneau.

This partnership will represent the largest commitment Louis Garneau has made to the cycling industry because not only does it associate with one of the top UCI Domestic Based Men's Team, but in 2009 Team Type 1 is expanding to include a triathlon team, a developmental squad, a women's professional squad and two teams for the Race Across America (RAAM): Team Type 1 and Team Type 2.

"The concept of supporting a group of athletes that represent all levels of cycling and triathlon is the exact match for Louis Garneau who markets our brand as the 'Cycling and Triathlon Solution,'" says Pierre Perron, Marketing Director.

The pro team will be geared in up in some of the most technological and innovative clothing and helmets available including:

Carbon Ion Equipe Jersey - Developed for riders demanding a streamlined fit, the ultimate in styling, and fabrics that meet the test for comfort and maximum performance. High performance fit intended for pro cyclists. Extremely lightweight and quick drying. Radio pocket inside center back pockets are elasticized for a secure fit. Flatlock seams eliminate abrasion.

Power Bibs - Power Lycra base optimizes muscle performance, supports blood circulation, and is perfect for high intensity rides. Powermesh upper back is a skin-friendly mesh with compression properties to enhance performance. Conventional gripper is replace by a compressive Powerband that reduces lower leg pressure, provides muscle support, and does not restrict blood circulation. Contrasting flatlock seams are less abrasive and provide a "pro" look. Airgel Chamois.

Diamond Helmet - The Diamond represents our greatest achievement in helmets. At 285 grams and over 40 vents, we have designed a helmet to out perform the competition. Through patented technology, we have unleashed an absurd amount of ventilation while still meeting safety standards.

Superleggera Helmet - Our designers call the Superleggera, the pinnacle of TT helmet evolution. The Superlegegra once again pushes the limits of performance through the study of laminar airflow, weight reduction, and redistribution of weight to allow for a longer aero position.

Speed Skinsuits - The most aerodynamic fabric on the market for speeds of 15 to 45 mph. Optimal muscle support, supports blood circulation, wicks moisture, this one-piece skin is built for speed. With a sublimated power gripper that reduces lower leg pressure and provides muscle support. Speed Tech fabric's dimpled mesh construction allows for increased ventilation and comfort, but also reduces drag and improves aerodynamics.

Team Type 1 is the only professional cycling team in the world with a mission to instill hope and inspiration for people around the world affected by diabetes. In 2009, Team Type 1 is expanding to include a triathlon team, a developmental squad, a women's professional squad and two teams for the Race Across America (RAAM): Team Type 1 and Team Type 2. The athletes with diabetes in these programs serve as examples that diabetes can be controlled through diet, exercise and the use of the best treatment and technology available today.

Team Type 1 Pro Team Roster includes:

2009 Men's Team

Director Sportif: Vassili Davidenko (RUS)
Assistant Director: Gord Fraser (CAN)
General Manager: Tom Schuler (USA)
Assistant Manager: Marc Colbert (USA)
Head Soigneur: Bill Haelsen (USA)
Assistant Soigneur/ Logistics: Sergey Davidenko (RUS)
Head Mechanic: Doug Berner (USA)
Mechanics: Chris Davidson (USA), Alex Banyay (USA)

Riders: ALDAPE CHAVEZ, Moises (MEX); ANTHONY, Jesse (USA); *CALABRIA, Fabio (AUS); *ELDRIDGE, Joe (USA); ESCUELA, Ricardo (ARG); HANSON, Ken (USA); HOLT, Dan (USA); ILESIC, Aldo Ino (SLO); JONES, Chris (USA); KOBZARENKO, Valeriy (UKR); LILL, Darren (RSA); MACGREGOR, Ian (USA); MILNE, Shawn (USA); *SOUTHERLAND, Phil (USA); *VAN den EYNDE, Willem (BEL); WILSON, Matt (AUS).

* indicates riders with Type 1 diabetes


Jack Seehafer leads an expanded women's squad for the 2009 season. Last year, the duo of Morgan Patton and Monique Hanley made history at the Kelly Cup in Maryland by what is believed to be the the first time two female athletes with Type 1 diabetes have finished on the podium of a national-level women’s bicycle race. Patton and Hanley finished second and third, respectively. Patton has lived with Type 1 the past 13 years while Hanley was diagnosed with Type 1 11 years ago.

Joining them on the squad will be the wily veteran Jen Mc Rae, formerly of Team Advil, who we last saw taking the victory at the USA Crits Series finale in Las Vegas last Fall; one of the best and brightest young riders on the national scene, Alison Powers, formerly of Colavita/Sutter Home; and the precocious talent of Samantha Schneider, fomerly of Mesa Cycles, among others.

2009 Women's Team

Director Sportif: Jack Seehafer (USA)

Riders: BALDERAS, Veronica Leal (MEX); CROWELL, Jacquelyn (USA); *HANLEY, Monique (AUS); MC RAE, Jennifer (USA); *PATTON, Morgan (USA); POWERS, Alison (USA); SCHNEIDER, Samantha (USA); KELLY, Kori (USA).

*indicates riders with Type 1 diabetes

Team Type 1's Elite/Development Team is exclusive to athletes with Type 1 diabetes and will form the basis of this year's squad for RAAM. The squad while also compete in a number of amateur cycling events nationwide (including road racing, mountain biking and cyclocross).

Elite Team Manager: Bob Schrank (USA)
Development Team Manager: Timothy Powell (USA)
RAAM Crew Chief: Dave Eldridge (USA)

Riders: BANNINK, Jeff (USA); BENNETT, Simon (AUS); BOWDEN, Alex (USA); BROOKS, Matt (USA); DRISCOLL, Adam (USA); HARGRAVE, Tim (NZL); KNABE, Lonny (USA); MEAD, Andy (USA); POWELL, Timothy (USA); ROSE, Kyle (USA); SCHRANK, Bob (USA); SPONSEL, Alistair (USA/GBR); SUPRENANT, Mark (USA); WHITE, Kerry (AUS).

2008 Team Type 1 Triathletes
(Athletes have Type 1 diabetes)

Athletes: BARTELS, Nathan (USA); ELY, Laura (USA); GILDON, Bradford (USA); HEYER, Bobby (USA); KINGERY, Tom (USA); LOVETT, Mandy (USA); PAST, Angela (CAN); POWELL, Kevin (USA); SCHERB, Cliff (USA); VOGEL, Matt (USA).

The success of Team Type 1 paved the way for the creation of Team Type 2 for 2009. This eight-person team comprised entirely of cyclists who live with Type 2 diabetes will compete in the Race Across America endurance bicycle race.

Manager: Bob Avritt (USA)

Riders: AVRITT, Bob (USA); ANDERSON, John (USA); CHAISSON, Bob (USA); CLEVELAND, Lawrence (USA); COWLEY, Peter (USA); DOLAN, Tim (USA); THUL, Mark (USA); VOORHEES, Dennis (USA).

Some material used for this post were taken from a Louis Garneau press release

Photo: Kurt Jambretz (www.actionimages.cc)