Felt bicycles will sponsor two US-based professional programs for 2011, the women’s Peanut Butter & CO Twenty12 team and Team Exergy, an Idaho-based men’s squad with UCI Continental status for 2011.
Felt’s headlining rider for 2011 will be Kirsten Armstrong, who’s returning to racing with Peanut Butter & CO team after the birth of her first child. The two-time world and 2008 Olympic champ spent the 2010 season directing the team.
“I love cycling and I love competing. I stopped racing after the 2009 World Championships, not because I was burned out but because my husband and I wanted to start a family,” said Armstrong. “I told myself from the beginning that if everything went smoothly with the birth of our son, Lucas William, I'd consider racing again.”
Felt have made a two-year commitment to this high-profile women’s program, which will focus on the 2012 London Olympic Games. “As our name indicates, our goals are to develop Olympic caliber talent that can compete internationally at the highest levels. We're delighted to have a bicycle partner that is as focused about this mission as we are,” said Nicola Cranmer, general manager and founder of the team.
The California-based team got their start as a women’s elite squad in 2006. Since inception they've collected an impressive list of results and this year amassed 88 podiums and 55 wins including nine national championships, two Pan American gold medals and two World Cup track silver medals.
“Kristin’s contribution as a director was invaluable this season,” said Cranmer. “Having her directing and competingin 2011 will really take this team to the next level.” The team will compete aboard Felt’s ZW women’s-specific road bikes, B2 time trial bikes and TK series track bikes.
Team Exergy
Team Exergy’s international rider lineup includes a mix of returning pros, led by Remi McManus, 2001 US elite road champion, and several new recruits including 2006 US elite road champion Matt Cooke.
“Felt have a storied history of supporting emerging teams and new talent, and in Team Exergy we feel as though they have the blueprint to be very successful,” said Felt’s marketing director, Doug Martin.
“After a competitive run at the NRC and select international events this year, Team Exergy have put together the pieces to take their program to the next level and we're excited to be a part of it.” The team will ride Felt’s all-new 2011 F-series road framesets and B2 time trial framesets.
