MONTEREY, Calif. (Feb. 28, 2002) - Bike fans will finally get a chance to see World Champion Alison Dunlap and Marla Streb in new colors at the Sea Otter Classic Powered by SRAM. Clif Bar's new Luna Chix squad will be showcased during the four-day event.

Clif Bar Inc.'s owner and CEO Gary Erickson conceived the idea of an all-women's LUNA mountain bike team, which he said represents a milestone for his company.

"It's incredible to see this dream come true," he said. "We're so happy to be able to support and give back to the bike industry, which has supported us for so long. What's more, these women are not only inspiring athletes, but genuinely wonderful people to know."

This year's Sea Otter marks the official debut of the LUNA CHIX all-women's professional mountain bike team. The lineup includes Dunlap, world class downhill specialist Streb, emerging cross country specialist Kelli Emmett and veteran cross country and cyclocross racer Gina Hall. One late addition to the team is Katerina Hasunova of the Czech Republic, a member of that country Olympic team for cross-country skiing. She competed in the Salt Lake and Nagano Winter Olympics and also rode in the Olympic mountain bike race in the 1996. Clif Bar's Paul McKenzie will be the team director.

Dunlap and her teammates will be featured at a special Thursday morning media briefing on March 21, the opening day of the Sea Otter.

"The support of companies such as Clif Bar is crucial to the continued growth of the Sea Otter," said Rick Sutton, co-founder of the Sea Otter Classic. "Part of the attraction of our event is that participants know they are going to sample great products. By the fourth day of the Sea Otter, I guarantee most racers have depended on their Clif Bar to finish."

"We are pleased to announce that Clif Bar and Clif SHOT are the official energy bar and gel of the 2002 Sea Otter Classic," said Kerry Van Voris of Clif Bar. "In addition to Clif Bar's booth in the expo area, look for Clif Bar employees and teams on course. As always, Sea Otter participants will receive a Clif Bar and a Clif SHOT in their race bags."

Clif Bar is back at this year's Otter with the classic Clif Bar in everyone's favorite flavors, as well as the caffeinated Clif Bar ICE Series in its three outrageous flavors: Cool Mint Chocolate, Orange Chocolate Chill, and Chocolate Java Avalanche - guaranteed to give rides that extra kick.

Clif SHOT, with its touted litter leash, will also be part of Clif Bar's sampling menu. And, of course, LUNA, the whole nutrition bar for women, will make an appearance at the booth along with the LUNA CHIX, Clif Bar's All Women's professional Mountain Bike Team.

The 12th Annual Sea Otter Classic Powered by SRAM will be held March 21-24, 2002 at the Laguna Seca Recreation Area. Athletes are invited to call the Sea Otter Classic event hotline at 530.661.9500 with entry inquiries. For more information visit www.seaotterclassic.com.

— Posted by Ari Cheren, MountainZone.com Staff