Cannondale Bicycles announced today that it will expand its Cannondale Factory Racing (CFR) to the United States in 2010 with the addition of two new world-class athletes.  The expansion aligns with Cannondale’s focus on global innovation and its recognition that pro-athletes play a critical role in raising awareness and support for the sport on an International and Domestic level.

Cannondale has been actively supporting mountain bike racing since 1994 - first with Volvo-Cannondale; then with the creation of Cannondale Factory Racing; and most recently with MonaVie-Cannondale.  As the exclusive equipment and jersey sponsor for these teams, Cannondale has helped to develop several world-class athletes including U.S. National Champion and two-time U.S. Olympian, Tinker Juarez, who will join the CFR team for the 2010 season.

 “As we look to the future and how Cannondale will continue to support mountain bike racing and its elite athletes, we recognize the opportunity to create a global mountain bike platform, the Cannondale Factory Racing (CFR) team,” said Rory Mason, director of sports marketing for Cycling Sports Group.  “Cannondale is committed to push the boundaries of innovation and technology in order to give athletes the bikes they expect for world class performance. Sponsoring CFR allows us to focus our efforts and support the team in a bigger way, which will benefit both the athletes and consumers.”

 This year’s team will be led by 10-time Belgium Champion, Roel Paulissen, and include a diversified group of athletes who compete across multiple disciplines. In addition to Juarez, Cannondale will welcome Jeremiah Bishop to the team, underscoring its commitment to the sport and to helping athletes realize their dreams of competing on a professional level.

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