REDWOOD CITY, Calif. (Nov. 5, 2002) -- GaleForce Sports Marketing announced today that Shimano is the title sponsor of the 2002 National Cyclo-cross Championships. The two-day event is set for Dec. 14 &15 at Domaine Chandon in California's Napa Valley.

"Success in cyclo-cross racing is an undeniable affirmation of a component's ability and durability,² said Chris DiStefano, spokesman for the Shimano American Corp. ³Cross racing is a no-nonsense effort. It's the ultimate competitive crucible. If something - anything at all - works for 'cross, it'll work anywhere else."

Many industry leaders saw the 1999 National Cyclo-cross Championships, promoted by GaleForce in San Francisco, as a defining moment in the development of the sport. More than 16,000 spectators flocked to the barriers and course tape for that event. GaleForce President Rick Sutton said Shimano's support gives cyclo-cross the stamp of authority the sport needs.

"With Shimano on board, everybody in the industry takes notice," said Sutton, who called the San Francisco weekend one of the best cycling events he's ever witnessed. "This will be the ultimate final toast to a great cycling season in America."

Cyclo-cross is the steeplechase of cycling. Developed in Europe in the 1920s, cyclo-cross involves racers competing on short, tightly woven courses that include grass, dirt, and pavement. The courses also put riders in situations where they have to dismount and run with their bikes. The courses also enable fans to see most of the racing action up close. Races last no longer than an hour. Considered one of the best spectator events in cycling, cyclo-cross races often boil down to exciting final sprints.

"Cyclo-cross is snot-blowing, lung-searing, leg-breaking pain," said DiStefano, noting the intensity of this cool-weather sport dispels any myth of cycling being a non-contact sport. "'Cross helps us shed that pristine road image."

While mountain bikes weigh in around 24 pounds and feature suspension systems, pro cyclo-cross bikes weigh around 17 pounds and resemble road bikes. They must be light and strong. DiStefano noted that Shimano is eager to use cyclo-cross as a proving ground for several of its best products, namely shoes, pedals, and wheels.

"Cyclo-cross offers us a unique opportunity to showcase our wheels. By offering our wheels in this format and promoting their use in a cross format speaks to our belief in our wheel system's strength, durability, and race-worthy construction," said DiStefano noting that former National Champions Tim Johnson and Mark McCormack (Saturn) both race Shimano wheels with full confidence. "Cyclo-cross is also a great platform (pun intended) to promote our PD-M959 pedal along with the M221 shoe."

As important to Shimano is that cyclo-cross draws together elements of both road and off-road racing together for one major event. "Cyclo-cross also gets us that warm, fuzzy feeling," said DiStefano.

About Shimano

Shimano was founded in 1921 by Shozaburo Shimano in Sakai, Japan and developed into a worldwide leader in bicycle products. Shimano components have been ridden to victory in the Olympics, the World Championships and the Tour de France. Shimano American Corp. is located in Irvine, Calif. For more information on Shimano, visit www.shimano.com.

About Domaine Chandon

Domaine Chandon, Inc. is the leading sparkling wine producer in the Napa Valley and an emerging producer of varietal wines. Founded in 1973, Domaine Chandon was the first American sparkling wine venture established by a French Champagne house (Moët & Chandon). Domaine Chandon, Inc. is a part of the Wine & Spirits Division of LVMH Hennessy Louis Vuitton, a leading worldwide luxury goods company. For more information visit www.chandon.com.

About USA Cycling

Recognized by the U.S. Olympic Committee and the Union Cycliste Internationale, USA Cycling promotes American cycling through its 45,000 members and 2,000 annual events. USA Cycling associations include the National Bicycle League (BMX), National Off-Road Bicycle Assocation (mountain bike), U.S. Cycling Federation (road/track/cyclocross) and the U.S. Professional Racing Organization (professional men's road racing). For more information, contact Deborah Engen at 719.866.4867 or visit www.usacycling.org.

About GaleForce

GaleForce Sports Marketing is an expanding sports marketing and event management company based in Redwood City, 25 miles south of San Francisco. GaleForce has promoted, marketed and managed right across the sporting spectrum. Properties owned or managed by GaleForce include the Sea Otter Classic and the Chevy Trucks NORBA National Championship Mountain Bike Series. For more about GaleForce, please call the events hotline at 530.661.9500 or visit www.galeforce.org.

— Posted by Ari Cheren, MountainZone.com Gear Editor