New Jersey Youth Selected for US National Cycling Team
Colavita U23 Cycling Team Developing Next Generation of Pro Cyclists

Linden, NJ (May 14, 2008) -- The climbs may not be as steep as in Colorado but New Jersey is proving to be an excellent training ground for the next generation of pro cyclists.  
 
For the second consecutive year, Carter Jones of Maplewood, NJ has been selected to represent the US in major cycling events in Europe, competing against national teams from all over the world.  This summer, Jones,19, will race in the youngest age bracket of USA Cycling’s elite National Development Team at such prestigious UCI events as Belgium’s challenging three-day Triptique Ardennais and the Tour de Liege.
 
Tapped by USA Cycling to race in Europe as a member of the US Junior National Team in 2007, Jones is among a select group of American athletes being groomed for Pro Tour Teams.  Now a freshman at the University of Colorado, Jones began his racing career with the New Jersey-based Colavita U19 Racing Team, one of the largest junior bike racing programs in the US.  Under the leadership of Dan Coleman of Morris Plains, NJ and supported by Colavita USA of Linden, NJ, co-title sponsor of the Colavita/Sutter Home Cycling Teams presented by Cooking Light, the roster for the Colavita U19 team has grown to more than 50 boys and girls between the ages of 9 and 18 – none of whom had any previous cycling experience.
 
To support the talents of young riders like Jones and Colavita teammate Ryan Bodge, 21, of Bridgewater, NJ, currently captain of American University’s collegiate cycling team, Colavita launched the Colavita U23 Cycling Team to provide a bridge between the highly successful U19 program and the professional cycling circuit, which includes the Colavita/Sutter Home Men’s Cycling Team and the Colavita/Sutter Home Women’s Cycling Team. Bikes for the more than 30 riders on the team are provided by Jamis Bicycles of Northvale, NJ, bike sponsor of the Colavita/Sutter Home pro teams.  In addition, Colavita/Sutter Home pros serve as mentors for Jones and Bodge, guiding them through pre-season drills at the teams’ training camp in Yosemite National Park in March.  As Bodge explains, “When I started racing on the road as a junior in 2004, I never thought I would be successful enough to be part of the Colavita/Sutter Home pro cycling team. The opportunity to ride and race with the pros is truly a dream come true.”   
 
Racing with the University of Colorado cycling team this year, Jones says his goal was to be selected for the U23 National Team.  “When USA Cycling invited me to race in Europe from mid-May to the end of July, I was both relieved and nervous at the prospect of being a ‘first year’ in the U23 category,” Jones said.  “But I learned so much riding with the Colavita/Sutter Home pro cyclists and can’t wait to get started.”
 
About the sponsors of the Colavita/Sutter Home Cycling Teams presented by Cooking Light

Cycling is more than a sport for the Colavita/Sutter Home Cycling Teams presented by Cooking Light.  It’s a heritage, passed down from generation to generation. Colavita/Sutter Home champions cycling’s future through support of pro men’s and women’s teams; the Colavita New Jersey U19 Racing Team, the largest junior cycling team on the East Coast; as well as recreational cycling clubs in 9 states, including California, Colorado, Georgia, Illinois, New Jersey, New Mexico, South Carolina, and Texas. Visit www.ColavitaSutterHome.com <http://www.ColavitaSutterHome.com>  to learn more.
 
Colavita USA imports and distributes the #1 brand of Italian extra-virgin olive oil in the U.S. 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. Through its charitable arm, the Colavita Foundation for Children, the company provides bicycles and helmets to children in need.  To learn more about Colavita USA, please visit www.Colavita.com <http://www.Colavita.com> .
 
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 <http://www.tfewines.com/> .
 
Founded in 1987, Cooking Light (www.cookinglight.com/cooking <http://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 2008 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 <http://www.JamisBikes.com> .
 
The bikes are fully equipped with Shimano components, wheels, shoes, and pedals, Easton handlebars, stems, and seat posts, Fizik saddles, Vittoria tires, and TRP Brake levers for time trial bikes.  Team jerseys 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 American Suzuki Motor Corporation, Dominator Clothing, GU Sports, and Headsweats.