VELOFORMA / Upper Echelon Fitness presented by Corsa Concepts
at the
Redlands Bicycle Classic
March 26-29, 2009
Redlands, CA
The Veloforma/Upper Echelon Fitness Elite Women’s Cycling Team presented by Corsa Concepts is excited to be a part of the Redlands Bicycle Classic in 2010. With a strong squad of many Oregon riders, Veloforma continues its move into national-level road racing.
Team riders have dominated local racing in their Regions and Pacific Northwest so far this year in continuation on their 2009 form. They look forward to the challenge of racing with the country’s top riders for the second time in two years at the Redlands Bicycle Classic.
MARK DUFF, TEAM OWNER VF/UEF
503.789.6735
TERI SHEASBY (BEND, OREGON)
Teri is a stage race specialist who excels when the races are hard, fast, and uphill. The 2009 season was a break out year for Teri. She won the Elkhorn Classic stage race and the High Desert Omnium. She was one of the most aggressive Oregon racers at Mt. Hood Cycling classic and Cascade Cycling Classic. Teri placed high in the overall general classification in both events. Teri’s main focus will be racing on the NRC circuit in 2010. When not racing she spends quality time at home with her family, enjoying the Oregon high desert lifestyle.
REBECKA HARTKOP (SALEM, OREGON)
Becka won the coveted Oregon Cup in 2008. She has a long list of palmarès, including first place in the final stage at the Elkhorn Classic stage race, first place overall at the Willamette stage race, and a gold-medal performance at the Oregon road race championship. Illness caused her to miss most of the 2009 season; she looks forward to returning to the NRC circuit for 2010, and top form.
WHITNEY SCHULTTZ (AUSTIN, TEXAS)
Whitney Schultz is ready to begin her fourth year of competitive cycling. A senior and marketing major at the University of Texas - Austin, Whitney was introduced to cycling her freshman year and has competed collegiately since then. In 2009, she competed for Texas-based Metro Volkswagen in top races across the United States. For ten weeks last summer, she raced for Swiss-team Team Bike-Import.ch. She is an all-arounder on the bike, particularly strong in time trials and stage races. This will be her second time doing Redlands.
LISA TURNBULL (EUGENE, OREGON)
Lisa is known as a powerful criterium specialist and sprinter. Lisa was the dominant racer in Oregon during 2009 and was awarded the highly contested Oregon Cup. She proved she could race on any course, not just criteriums and “sprinter friendly” courses. Her ability to always bring her best, made it easy to give her the nickname “A - GAME”. Lisa took it to another level in 2009 by not only winning the Oregon Cup, but she also spent a lot of time traveling to NRC races. She is excited to be doing Redlands for the third time in her career. The team is very excited to have her with us.
ALICE PENNINGTON (HOOD RIVER, OREGON)
Alice is a fixture in Oregon bike racing, both on and off road. Alice is definitely an all around rider. In 2009 she added to her already long and impressive list of palmarès, including finishing 6th on GC at the Mt. Hood cycling classic, while riding for a teammate who finished 3rd on GC. She maintained the same form through Elkhorn Stage Race, then on to Cascade Cycling Classic and into USA Cycling Elite Road National Championships, where she finished 9th. She won Oregon’s best all-around rider competition in 2001, 2002, and 2003. This will be Alice’s second time at Redlands.
LISA REEVE (PORTLAND, OREGON)
A native of Scotland, Portland resident, Lisa, is our secret weapon. Every team has to have one, right? She also gives us an international flavor, with her awesome accent! Lisa started bike racing in May of 2009 after getting “hooked” from doing a few OBRA races. She soon found out she was fast and loves to climb. If you’re ever out in the west hills of Portland, you’re bound to see her. If it goes up, then she is full stick. It didn’t take long and she found herself in the elite ranks with her eye set on racing NRC’s and the ultimate goal of the European Championships later this year.
LINDSAY FOX (BEAVERTON, OREGON)
Lindsay vaulted to the top echelon of bike racing in 2009, her first season as a competitive cyclist. It took Lindsay only a few months to become an elite rider. Lindsay was a tri-athlete, before she decided to devote herself full-time to bike racing. Lindsay is a strong all around rider, who is excited about her first year on the NRC circuit.
Christina Smith (Denton, Texas)
Christina is a powerful criterium and road specialist. If the race is hard, fast and active she is in the mix. She loves technical criterium courses, power climbs, sprinting and any race that requires overall endurance. If there is a break Christina is in it. She was very active in NRC Criteriums in 2009, always getting in the final breakaway. Christina’s 2009 palmarès include 10th Joe Martin Stage Race Criterium, 9th Tulsa Tough Criterium, 7th Nature Valley Grand Prix Criterium, 5th Ironhill Twilight Criterium, 5th Presbyterian Hospital Invitational Criterium, 4th Hanes Park Classic, 2nd USA Crit Finals – Vegas, 4th Day 1/9th Day 2 USA Cycling Elite Criterium National Championships, 6th Chris Thater Memorial Criterium. Christina's motto is “ride with 110% commitment.”
This team is founded on a core set of beliefs: passion, knowledge, and experience based on hard work, determination, and teamwork. These same values are found in the companies of VELOFORMA, Upper Echelon Fitness, Corsa Concepts and our supporting sponsors. Elite team members are chosen not solely based on results but on how well they work in a team environment and represent their sponsors in and out of competition. We showcase a diverse team of strong professionals who are true ambassadors to sport and life. WE are proud to be associated with these vibrant women who are capable of incredible things both on and off the bike, and who come from all walks of life.
Thursday, March 18, 2010
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
Taipei Cycle show day 1
At today’s opening ceremony of the 2010 Taipei International Cycle show (almost tomorrow as it’s 11:26pm Taipei time), TBEA Chairman Ying-Ming Yang proudly noted that the event is on course to overtake Interbike. Interbike is known as the world's number two international bicycle show after Germany's Eurobike.
After an intriguing opening art performance that combined live sand painting showing how the bicycle can contribute to preserving the environment, TAITRA Chairman Dr. Chih-Kang Wang welcomed VIP guests including Giant Chairman King Liu, Japan Bicycle Association Chairman Yoshizo Shimano and Ernesto Colnago, founder of the famed Italian bikemaker.
He said this year's record-breaking show would host 894 exhibitors using 3,018 booths - he noted that since the official capacity of the Nangang Exhibition Center is 2,000 booths, corridors and additional rooms were being used. As many as 50,000 visitors are expected to walk through the doors at Nangang this year.
Wang said that the strength of Taiwan's bike industry was reflected by its relatively small decline in exports during a difficult 2009. Not sure how he came up with the fact that 2009 had a small decline, with overall exports dropped 20%. He stated that complete bike shipments fell just 9.9% and parts exports declined by just 6%. He attributed the strength of the industry to steady investment in R&D and branding. One thing for sure, those who invest and advertise in a down turn, will prosper in the end. I know it sounds strange but it’s true.
TBEA Chairman Yang - proudly noted that Taipei was set to take over the number two spot in international show rankings, surpassing Interbike this year due to the poor health of the US economy. He also noted that the industry was not afraid of competition from China (probably cause most Taiwan based manufactures are now open manufacturing facilities in China). The TBEA has asked the government to include the bicycle sector in free trade negotiations with China. "We feel we're able to compete, thanks to our R&D and branding efforts," he said. The Exporters' Association is also expanding its membership, "So I feel our industry is strong," he added.
Yang's sentiments were echoed by Kuo-Hsin Liang, Vice Minister of Economic Affairs, who pointed out that the average export price for bicycles of US$291 (take note people) was higher than that for notebook computers. Referring to the free trade negotiations with China, Liang said "The Taiwan bicycle industry is not afraid of competition." "We hope the whole world will reduce duties on bicycles to zero," he added.
At the close of the ceremony, the winners of the annual Innovative Products contest took the stage. The Best Innovation Award went to Giant Manufacturing Co. Ltd. For its Trinity Advanced SL, the Best Latest Fashion Award was presented to JD Components for its Eagle e-bike, while SRAM Taiwan scooped the prize for Best Practicality with its XX MTB drivetrain.
After an intriguing opening art performance that combined live sand painting showing how the bicycle can contribute to preserving the environment, TAITRA Chairman Dr. Chih-Kang Wang welcomed VIP guests including Giant Chairman King Liu, Japan Bicycle Association Chairman Yoshizo Shimano and Ernesto Colnago, founder of the famed Italian bikemaker.
He said this year's record-breaking show would host 894 exhibitors using 3,018 booths - he noted that since the official capacity of the Nangang Exhibition Center is 2,000 booths, corridors and additional rooms were being used. As many as 50,000 visitors are expected to walk through the doors at Nangang this year.
Wang said that the strength of Taiwan's bike industry was reflected by its relatively small decline in exports during a difficult 2009. Not sure how he came up with the fact that 2009 had a small decline, with overall exports dropped 20%. He stated that complete bike shipments fell just 9.9% and parts exports declined by just 6%. He attributed the strength of the industry to steady investment in R&D and branding. One thing for sure, those who invest and advertise in a down turn, will prosper in the end. I know it sounds strange but it’s true.
TBEA Chairman Yang - proudly noted that Taipei was set to take over the number two spot in international show rankings, surpassing Interbike this year due to the poor health of the US economy. He also noted that the industry was not afraid of competition from China (probably cause most Taiwan based manufactures are now open manufacturing facilities in China). The TBEA has asked the government to include the bicycle sector in free trade negotiations with China. "We feel we're able to compete, thanks to our R&D and branding efforts," he said. The Exporters' Association is also expanding its membership, "So I feel our industry is strong," he added.
Yang's sentiments were echoed by Kuo-Hsin Liang, Vice Minister of Economic Affairs, who pointed out that the average export price for bicycles of US$291 (take note people) was higher than that for notebook computers. Referring to the free trade negotiations with China, Liang said "The Taiwan bicycle industry is not afraid of competition." "We hope the whole world will reduce duties on bicycles to zero," he added.
At the close of the ceremony, the winners of the annual Innovative Products contest took the stage. The Best Innovation Award went to Giant Manufacturing Co. Ltd. For its Trinity Advanced SL, the Best Latest Fashion Award was presented to JD Components for its Eagle e-bike, while SRAM Taiwan scooped the prize for Best Practicality with its XX MTB drivetrain.
Thursday, January 28, 2010
Accell, Europe's biggest bike supplier heads to Taipei Show
A full contingent of Accell executives is preparing to head to Taipei, as the Dutch-based bicycle and fitness company steps up its investments in Asian markets.
"The Taipei show is unlike any other because it involves purchasing as well as sales," said René Takens, chief executive of the Accell group. "Taipei is where we will hold final discussions with our suppliers about the upcoming range, but it's also an opportunity to strengthen our presence in Asian markets".
The Accell group, behind brands from Sparta to Winora, Batavus, Ghost, Lapierre, Koga-Miyata, will send about 25 people to welcome visitors at its booth in Taipei this year। Along with purchasing and product development staff from many parts of the Accell group, the contingent will include international sales executives from Lapierre and Ghost Bikes, the two brands picked by the Dutch group to spearhead its investments in the Asia-Pacific region.
According to Florian Robin, international sales manager at French brand Lapierre, "The Taipei show will be most important for us, as it should enable us to finalise agreements in several Asian markets," said. "We will move cautiously, building Asian relationships for the long term".
A full contingent of Accell executives is preparing to head to Taipei, as the Dutch-based bicycle and fitness company steps up its investments in Asian markets.
"The Taipei show is unlike any other because it involves purchasing as well as sales," said René Takens, chief executive of the Accell group. "Taipei is where we will hold final discussions with our suppliers about the upcoming range, but it's also an opportunity to strengthen our presence in Asian markets".
The Accell group, behind brands from Sparta to Winora, Batavus, Ghost, Lapierre, Koga-Miyata, will send about 25 people to welcome visitors at its booth in Taipei this year। Along with purchasing and product development staff from many parts of the Accell group, the contingent will include international sales executives from Lapierre and Ghost Bikes, the two brands picked by the Dutch group to spearhead its investments in the Asia-Pacific region.
According to Florian Robin, international sales manager at French brand Lapierre, "The Taipei show will be most important for us, as it should enable us to finalise agreements in several Asian markets," said. "We will move cautiously, building Asian relationships for the long term".
Taiwan's bike exports
Taiwan's bike exports down 20% from 2008 high
Preliminary full year figures for 2009 show that Taiwan's bike exports fell about 20% last year to a total of 4।3 million units (2008 = 5.4m units). The drop should be seen in the light of the extraordinary growth in 2008: exports in 2009 were still higher than 2006's figure of about 4 million. On the value side of the equation, the 2009 statistics show that total export value sales dropped only 9.9 percent to 1.25 billion US$. This is a clear result of increased high-end production within the industry: the average sales price for a Taiwan-made bicycle increased from US$256.92 to US$289.38, a gain of 12.6 percent.
While Taiwan bicycle exports to NAFTA countries were down 13.58 percent to 721,689 units (6.97 percent down in value to US$323 million), bike sales to the EU market dropped 22.49 percent to 2.8 million units and 13.61 percent to US$625 million in value. The EU and NAFTA markets are Taiwan's largest customers followed by EFTA (down 21.19 percent to 109,381 units and 13.51 percent down to US$44.6 million in value). The final statistics will be announced by the Taiwan Bicycle Exporters Association at the Taipei Show, although only minor adjustments are expected.
Preliminary full year figures for 2009 show that Taiwan's bike exports fell about 20% last year to a total of 4।3 million units (2008 = 5.4m units). The drop should be seen in the light of the extraordinary growth in 2008: exports in 2009 were still higher than 2006's figure of about 4 million. On the value side of the equation, the 2009 statistics show that total export value sales dropped only 9.9 percent to 1.25 billion US$. This is a clear result of increased high-end production within the industry: the average sales price for a Taiwan-made bicycle increased from US$256.92 to US$289.38, a gain of 12.6 percent.
While Taiwan bicycle exports to NAFTA countries were down 13.58 percent to 721,689 units (6.97 percent down in value to US$323 million), bike sales to the EU market dropped 22.49 percent to 2.8 million units and 13.61 percent to US$625 million in value. The EU and NAFTA markets are Taiwan's largest customers followed by EFTA (down 21.19 percent to 109,381 units and 13.51 percent down to US$44.6 million in value). The final statistics will be announced by the Taiwan Bicycle Exporters Association at the Taipei Show, although only minor adjustments are expected.
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