5.16.08
COMMERCE BANK TRIPLE CROWN OF CYCLING TEAM TO WATCH: TEAM HIGH ROAD

May 16, 2008: Team High Road comes to Philadelphia with big ambitions and the winners of both the men and the women’s 2007 Commerce Bank Triple Crown series. Bernhard Eisel and Ina-Yoko Teutenberg won five of the six races on offer last year and come prepared to defend their titles.

High Road focuses on young, international talent and has half of their 42 person roster (29 men and 13 women) aged 26 and under, and has athletes from 17 nations. This young talent is backed up by experienced leaders like American Cycling legend George Hincapie, who share their knowledge with these future stars of the sport.

The team had an amazing start to the season, having posted over 50 wins by the end of May. Success began at the Tour Down Under in January where Andre Greipel won five individual stages plus the overall tour victory and was awarded with the UCI ProTour Leader’s Jersey. The team continued its winning streak with George Hincapie winning the final stage of the Tour of California and the women going on to win 10 out of 14 races in California in March.

In Europe, team riders Mark Cavendish and Bradley Wiggins won the Madison gold medal at the world track championships in Manchester, England. Youngsters Edvald Boasson Hagen and Tony Martin had great wins in Criterium International and Ronde Van Mergelland and the women’s team won two consecutive World Cup races including Judith Arndt’s win in Ronde Van Vlaanderen and Chantal Beltman’s win in Drenthe.

Luxemburger Kim Kirchen made his mark at the prestigious Belgian one-day classic Fleche Wallone. Three days later, newcomer Belarusian Konstantin Sivtsov surprised the cycling world with a stunning ride up the famed Brasstown Bald and winning the overall title at the Tour de Georgia. Teammate and High Road sprint ace Greg Henderson captured the sprinters jersey and two stage wins.

“Many of our victories have come from our young athletes,” said Team owner Bob Stapleton. “This is something we’re really proud of. The team is new and a work in progress, but the spirit and teamwork is excellent and these early successes are motivating for everyone. We intend to continue this success in the Commerce Bank Triple Crown Series.”

Source: Pro Cycling Tour