Linden, NJ  (August 24, 2009) -- Tina Pic, the undisputed champion of US women’s cycling, will retire from competition at the end of the current season and co-direct the Colavita/Sutter Home Women’s Cycling Team presented by Cooking Light with teammate Rachel Heal.  John A. Profaci, Vice President of Marketing for co-title sponsor Colavita USA, made the announcement.

Now in her fourth season with Colavita/Sutter Home, Pic is among the most decorated cyclists racing in the North American peloton.  She recently added a record sixth US National Criterium Championship title to her distinguished results, which also include five USA Cycling NRC Champion titles and numerous other distinctions. While retirement beckons, Pic is on track to finish the 2009 season winning races just as she has since making her debut on the pro circuit in 1996.  So far, Pic has made nearly 20 podium appearances, including six victories and the overall USA Crits SpeedWeek series title.

Pic and Heal will take over from Iona Wynter Parks, who is returning to her native Jamaica.  A former chemical engineer, Heal achieved a distinguished record as a member of the British National Team and represented the UK in the road race at the Olympic Games in Athens in 2004.  She made her debut in North America in 2006 and joined Colavita/Sutter Home this season.

“I am really excited about directing with Rachel next year,” said Pic.  “We are inheriting a very strong team from Iona and are pleased that most of our current squad plan to return next year.”

“I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my career as a professional cyclist but it’s time to move on to a new adventure,” said Heal. “I’m excited to have the opportunity to direct alongside Tina and am confident that our combined experiences will continue to build on the strength of the team.”

The Colavita/Sutter Home Women’s Cycling Team will wrap up the 2009 racing season with the Tour of Missouri, which runs from September 7-13.  For more information, visit www.TourofMissouri.com.
 
About the sponsors of the Colavita/Sutter Home Cycling Teams presented by Cooking Light

The Colavita/Sutter Home Cycling Teams presented by Cooking Light are racing stronger than ever.  As one of the few programs that supports both a men’s and women’s team at the highest levels of US cycling, Colavita/Sutter Home is committed to investing in promising young athletes.  Colavita/Sutter Home sponsors the Colavita New Jersey U19 Racing Team, the largest junior program on the East Coast, and the Colavita U23 Racing Team.

In addition, Colavita/Sutter Home champions cycling at the local level through support of 15 elite clubs which include more than 600 recreational cyclists in 20+ states throughout the US.  Bookmark www.TeamColavita.com for news and information about the pro, regional, and junior teams.

Colavita USA imports and distributes the #1 brand of Italian extra virgin olive oil in the US as well as durum wheat semolina pasta, a full selection of balsamic and wine vinegars, and many other fine Italian products.  A family-owned business headquartered in Linden, NJ, Colavita has championed the sport of cycling throughout its 25+-year history.  Visit www.Colavita.com to learn more about Colavita USA.

Sutter Home Winery is wholly owned and operated by the Trinchero family, Napa Valley vintners since 1948.  The company produces the wines of Sutter Home, Trinchero, Montevina, Wild Bunch, Trinity Oaks, Folie à Deux, Ménage à Trois, Napa Cellars, the number one alcohol-removed wine, Fre, and imports Angove’s, Reynolds Vineyards and Little Boomey wines of Australia.  For more information, visit www.tfewines.com.

Founded in 1987, Cooking Light (www.cookinglight.com/cooking) is the world’s largest food magazine. Each month, more than 11 million consumers turn to Cooking Light to “eat smart, be fit and live well.” CookingLight.com provides daily food and fitness updates, healthy recipes and nutrition advice to millions of unique visitors every year.

For the 2009 season, the Colavita/Sutter Home Cycling Teams presented by Cooking Light will be riding Jamis super-light Xenith SL road frames and the revolutionary Xenith T2 time trial bikes supplied by Jamis Bicycles, designed and marketed by the G. Joannou Cycle Company (GJC) of Northvale, NJ. Established in 1937 by the father of CEO and President Carine Joannou, GJC ranks among the largest bicycle companies under private ownership in the US.  For more information about Jamis and to view the complete line of bicycles, please visit www.JamisBikes.com.

The bikes are fully equipped with Shimano components, wheels, shoes, and pedals, Ritchey handlebars, stems, and seat posts, Selle San Marco saddles, Vittoria tires, and Profile Design Aero bars and levers for time trial bikes.  Team jerseys and all technical apparel are provided by Giordana; helmets, glasses, and bags are supplied by Rudy Project.  Additional sponsors of the Colavita/Sutter Home Cycling Teams presented by Cooking Light include Fila, GU Sports, Headsweats, Skin Care for Athletes, TetraPak, and Thule.

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