Colavita to Ride Bianchi for 2015, Roster Announced

The iconic Italian brands Colavita and Bianchi are coming together to support the professional Colavita/Bianchi Women’s Cycling Team in 2015.  By combining their strengths, these brands promise to support an American team born of the famed Italian passione for the sport of cycling.

Both brands boast unmatched heritage. Colavita, founded more than 100 years ago in St. Elia a Piansis, Italy, is a family-owned producer of extra-virgin olive oil, balsamic vinegar and pasta. Bianchi, with a pedigree as the leading manufacturer of performance racing bicycles dating back to 1885, has supplied machines to campiones, including Fausto Coppi, Danilo Di Luca, Mario Cipollini, Gianni Bugno, Laurent Fignon, Marco Pantani and Jan Ullrich. The obvious synergy of these two companies that are deeply rooted in Italian origin and tradition, will transpire this spring when the professional Colavita/Bianchi Women’s Cycling Team begins its racing season.

The new women’s roster features returning riders from the 2014 team and several additions for the 2015 campaign.  The roster supports the future of the program, focusing on fostering teamwork, group morale, determination, passion for the sport and leadership by example. Desiring to excite fans across the nation and motivate up-and-coming female athletes, the team will race tactically and competitively in every race.

Additions to the 2015 team include: Morgan Brown from Novo Nordisk, who brings a threatening sprint to the squad; Jessica Cutler from FCS Rouse, a versatile all-around rider with a strong time-trialing background; and Kathryn Donavan, a climbing sensation from TWENTY16.  All three riders bring a mix of strength, experience and leadership to the professional Colavita/Bianchi Women’s Cycling Team. Returning riders include sprint sensation Erica Allar, three-time National Criterium Calendar (NCC) individual champion. Whitney Schultz; an all-around work horse returns to help anchor the team with solid leadership and experience,  and the 2014 Collegiate National Time Trial Champion, Jessica Prinner.  Veteran and all-around rider Mary Zider will return on the road and as the appointed Director Sportif.

“I’m very excited about our 2015 roster. Each rider brings something special to our team.  You can expect to see these extremely talented athletes leverage and benefit from our collective experience, seasoned leadership and youth. We plan to accomplish team goals through a combination of unselfish teamwork, tactical excellence, hard work, persistence and a touch of creativity,” according to new Director Mary Zider.  “The team will again focus on winning the National Criterium Calendar (NCC) in the team and individual categories. With the passion that our ladies are already showing, it’s going to be a great year for team Colavita/Bianchi!” added Zider. 

During the 2015 season, the professional Colavita/Bianchi team will focus on the National Criterium Calendar, UCI one-day road races and select NRC events.  Race results, news and photos will be available throughout the season at www.TeamColavita.com and www.Facebook.com/TeamColavita.  

Up next, the team heads to Clermont, Florida, January 22-29, for a team bonding experience and media camp. Many of the team’s sponsors will be on-hand to kick-off the 2015 race campaign.