2005 Team rostersFiordifruttaFiordifrutta, an Italian producer of organic jams and honeys, has announced the roster of one of the highest ranked US amateur cycling teams. The team has spent the last five years near the top of the National Racing Calendar points classification and held the #1 amateur team ranking in July of 2004. The squad consists entirely of riders from New England and it racked up 27 wins in 2004. The team will start its season with a training camp in Tucson, AZ from February 15-28th. The schedule for 2005 includes NRC and National Championship events as well as regional races on the East coast. The squad has always focused on the development of younger riders, and continues as the nation's premier program to help riders step up to the next level of cycling. The team is happy to lose Shawn Milne for 2005 as he moves on to ride for the Navigators Professional Cycling Team. Other team riders who have moved onto careers in professional cycling include: Justin Spinelli (Saeco, Navigators), Jonathan Page (Prime Alliance, Guerciotti), Mike Jones (West Virginia, Health Net), and Matt Svatek (Sportsbook.com). Team riders who have ridden for the US National Team in Europe include: Oliver Stiler-Cote, Shawn Milne, Darby Thomas, Robbie Dapice, and Donny Lopez. Team members have held more than 12 National Championship titles. The team in 2004 is the largest to date at fourteen riders, consisting of nine returning veterans and five new additions. The veterans are highlighted by team leaders Jon Hamblen and Mike Dietrich. Hamblen was the rider of the 2003 squad with the most victories (14), and looks to improve on his fourth place finish from the 2004 Elite National Road Race Championships. Dietrich finished 6th in the same race, and is confident that he can return to form after a broken collarbone brought a premature end to his 2004 season. Phil Wong and Peter Hult return for their second season with Fiordifrutta, and both riders topped off their 2004 seasons with top finishes. Wong was 2nd place at the Mt. Washington Hillclimb and Hult finished in 4th place as the top amateur in the Green Mountain Stage Race. Other returning riders include cyclocross superstar Johs Huseby who was 2nd at the 2004 National Cyclocross Championships for 30-34 Men, and Don Mills and Josh Gewirtz whose combined tactics and strength make them a part of every team win. Rider managers Chris Peck and Curt Davis continue with the team, and the nine wins between them in 2003 and 2004 prove that they are as strong as ever. New additions for 2005 include Matt White, who after a fourth place finish at the National Cyclocross Championships in the Under 23's will represent the US at the World Cyclocross Championships. Larry Perera comes to the squad with the strength and experience from having spent two years in the professional ranks for Sportsbook.com and Sharper Image/Mathis Brothers. Michael Cody and Dan Timmerman also signed on after showing tremendous progress rising through the USCF ranks in the last year. After a podium finish at the Tour of Ohio last year, Chris Rozdilsky will bring his all-around power to the team. Team roster Mike Cody (1) Sponsors Albabici (Material sponsor) Team website: www.rigoniusa.com/team
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