2006 Team rosters

Morgan Stanley/24 Hour Fitness/Specialized Factory Team

Created not only to be competitive but also to promote cycling safety and cultivate growth of the sport in Texas, the Morgan Stanley Factory Cycling Team kicked off its 2006 season Saturday, January 21 at the Copperas Cove Classic, hosted by Bicycles, Inc. The team is sponsored by Morgan Stanley, Specialized Bicycles and 24 Hour Fitness, and is scheduled to compete in a number of Texas Cup races as well as make several appearances at special events throughout the region in 2006.

The Morgan Stanley Factory Cycling Team consists of five talented individuals, each of whom has competed successfully both in the U.S. and internationally for several years.

Aaron Smathers, a 28-year old Graduate Teaching Assistant at the University of Oklahoma, has been racing for five years and recent wins include a back-to-back first place overall in the 2004 and 2005 Hotter N'Hell One Hundred Stage Race, and seventh place in the 2003 Michelin Cycling Classic (NRC).

Nick Kiernan, a 29-year-old facility manager for Grubb & Ellis, has been racing for eight years and recent accolades include a first place finish in the 2003 Michelin Classic (NRC), first place in the 2003 Grand Prix de Annapolis (Brazil), and first place in the 2004 Clasica de las Constituciones (Mexico).

Twenty-one year old Josh Kerkhof has been racing since age seven and in addition to holding several national junior titles, placed fourth in the Australian Madison Championships and is the current two-time US National Scratch Race Champion.

Thirty-four year old Bret Crosby is a web developer and supervisor at Slingshot, a full service advertising agency. Crosby's highlights include a State TT Championship, State Team TTT Championship, and Texas State Criterium Championship in 2004. He also was the 2003 Texas State Road Race Champion, 2004 Hell of the North Champion, and 2004 Texas Cup Champion.

Finally, Geoff Godsey, Territory Manager at Specialized Bicycles, at 30 years old is the team's captain and started competing in 1999. Godsey is returning to bike racing after a two-year hiatus. Godsey enjoyed success both domestically and internationally with some his most memorable performances at the Tour of Dominica and Superweek in 2001.

"I am extremely excited about the team," says Godsey. "When Specialized came to me a year ago with the opportunity to work and race, I jumped at the chance to be a part of the company. I get to work with the best dealers in the U.S., and the team is an opportunity to support those dealers' efforts to promote the brand and the sport of cycling. We are fortunate to have such a great group of personalities on the team and it is going to be a privilege to compete and work along side each of these guys."

According to Smathers, Specialized is the ideal bike and equipment sponsor for the newly-formed team. "As a graduate student in exercise physiology, I have always been interested in companies that blend the art and science of technology into cycling," says Smathers. "I have always felt that Specialized is the leader in this area, which is obvious in the superior products it brings to market. I am also excited about working with Specialized to lead cycling clinics, educate youth about bicycle safety, and encourage more people to ride."

All five athletes will be racing Specialized product head-to-toe. The team will be riding S-Works E5 Tarmacs, S-Works Tarmac SL's and S-Works Transition bikes as well as Specialized Body Geometry shoes, saddles and gloves, Decibel helmets, performance apparel and Specialized Arc optics. "Specialized is investing in an opportunity to showcase its products and technology using a team that promises to be highly competitive," says Specialized Southern Region Sales Manager, John Quinn. "Just as important as the team's success in racing is its commitment to educating and promoting our sport in the area. These athletes share Specialized's vision to get more youth and adults on bikes to enjoy a fun, healthy lifestyle and to use cycling as an alternative to driving a car. It's a win-win partnership between Specialized and our dealers who all represent the very best our industry has to offer."

2006 team rosters