This past weekend saw the official launch of Team Juvederm Specialized Mazda, Canada’s first UCI registered Professional Women’s Team in several years. The Team is born of the union of Toronto based Nanoblur Gears Women’s Team and the Quebec based Specialized-Mazda-Samsun Team who I rode for in 2010. Pooling the riders, management and sponsors- along with a few additions- has resulted in a well-balanced Team with the resources to compete at North America’s top events as well as a mid season European race block.
Having been involved in several different teams over my now many years of racing I suppose its safe to say I’ve developed a bit of perspective on the women’s road racing scene- within Canada, the US and Europe…. Although I recognize the challenges, I for some time now have felt strongly that Canada ought to have a Women’s UCI Team- It’s not that we as a country don’t have the riders or the potential sponsors. However, it takes a lot more than these two ingredients to create a program, to build the foundation of a successful organization.
So when the news of the plans for this Team came I was thrilled- like awakening from a fabulous dream only to realize the dream is truth. Is reality.
The riders are an amazing group of girls all of which I’ve had the honour to race with at one point or another. We are backed by a family of sponsors whose products reflect each of their respective commitments to excellence. And we have been brought together by the vision and hard work of a tremendous management group. The people, the organizations and the products backing this Team compliment one another: the forces channelled exude positive energy; possess passion, raw skill and true leadership.
On a personal level I am so pleased to continue building on the relationships with the individuals who represent the products and support so generously offered last season, to continue using the brands which have influenced my as well as the prior success of both Teams. And I look forward to getting to know the new faces and products and putting those products to the test!
A tremendous amount of work has gone into bringing us to this point- the official Team Launch at the Specialized headquarters in Montreal- demonstrating already that a well oiled team is capable of far greater than the sum of the individual parts. Thank You Malcolm, Gerard and Michael and all the rest who have contributed. Without you we would not have the opportunities which lie ahead; the chance to realize what we as a team may achieve. It is going to be an incredible journey!
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| Andrew (who has the coolest last name btw) presenting our Team bikes- & ready to provide each of us with a customized bike fit!! Thank You Andrew & the rest of the Specialized Team!! |
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| Inside the Specialized show room; some of the many bikes they make! |
The Specialized warehouse: isles & piles of pure goodness!!
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| Behind the scenes- proving that innovation runs in the blood of those who work for Specialized! |
Thanks for checking in & reading!
