Los Angeles-based Minute Maid/Dasani-La Grange Cycling Team has doubled their women's USA Cycling category 1/2 racing squad with the addition of the former Earthlink-sponsored team managed by Jim Safford. The merger makes MMDLG a highly competitive force on the California racing circuit and a factor at the regional and national level. Now a dozen strong, the unified team made its debut April 12-14 at the Pomona Valley Stage Race in Southern California, where MMDLG's Jennifer Stevens finished third overall.

Last season, the Earthlink team won 25 races, notched 40 Top 5 placings, and claimed four California state titles. When their sponsorship with Earthlink dried up, Safford found a temporary solution for the ladies for the first couple months of this racing campaign through the Merrill Lynch-backed club. Minute Maid/Dasani-La Grange race director Eddie Monnier met with Jim and team captain Katie Safford and offered them a permanent home. "We're thrilled to combine forces with this excellent racing squad. They've demonstrated a strong sense of team unity and a proven ability to generate big results, including competing successfully against much larger teams," said Monnier. "Equally important, this group returns something to the sport by conducting skills clinics aimed at developing women cyclists."

Katie Safford added, "The team rides like a team in order to win races, promote sponsors, and promote women's cycling while having fun. We strive to maintain a high level of integrity through good sportswomanship and by serving as mentors to new riders. We're excited about becoming a part of Minute Maid/Dasani-La Grange and look forward to incorporating more riders into more wins."

For the 2002 racing season, the Velo Club La Grange Westwood competes under the moniker "Minute Maid/Dasani-La Grange," so named for its title sponsors. Founded in 1969, Velo Club La Grange Westwood supports bicycle racing and recreation. There are more than 300 active members, 100 of which are racers licensed by USA Cycling. Velo Club La Grange Westwood has a legacy that includes Olympic medalists, Tour de France stage winners, World Champions, National Champions, and State Champions, which underlines the club's commitment to racing. Additional information on the club can be found at www.lagrange.org.

The 2002 Minute Maid/Dasani-La Grange women's 1/2 roster is comprised of:

Nicole Brandt
Erika Coble
Laura Downey
Lisa Garr
Carla Hukee
Amy Hutner
Carla Koehler
Katie Safford
Jacque Scott
Jennifer Stevens
Desira Utzig
Dorothy Wong<

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 27, 2002
Contact: Rick Scott (310) 274.0248
email: greatscottpr@pacificnet.net

Velo Club La Grange Westwood, one of the largest bicycling clubs in Southern California, has signed a new two-year sponsorship deal with Helen's Cycles, which has sponsored the club since 2000. The new sponsorship arrangement involves a financial investment into the club's racing program and operational expenses as well as contributing product, specifically Cannondale CAAD 5 team framesets for the club's top racers. Club members will also continue to receive special discounts on purchases at Helen's Cycles.

"After working closely with (general manager) Jay Wolff and his team at Helen's Cycles for the past two seasons, there was no doubt in my mind that we wanted to continue our association with them," said Velo Club La Grange Westwood president Claude Innocenti. "This sponsorship package is twice what our first deal was. I believe that the growth of the club over the past two years in addition to the terrific service and attention Helen's Cycle provides to our riders played a part in forging this new agreement."

For 66 years, Helen's Cycles has specialized in fine custom and assembled bikes, parts and accessories for road, mountain, recreational and family bicycling. Helen's Cycles was created for the express purpose of being the market leader in Southern California. To that end, they have stores in Santa Monica, Marina del Rey, Westwood Village, Manhattan Beach and Arcadia.

This season, the Velo Club La Grange Westwood racing program competes under the moniker "Minute Maid/Dasani-La Grange," so named for its title sponsors. Founded in 1969, Velo Club La Grange Westwood supports bicycle racing and recreation. There are over 300 active members, 100 of which are racers licensed by the United States Cycling Federation. Velo Club La Grange Westwood has a legacy that includes Olympic medalists, Tour de France stage winners, World Champions, National Champions, and State Champions, which underlines the club's commitment to racing. Additional information on the club can be found at www.lagrange.org

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
FEBRUARY 14, 2002
Contact: Rick Scott (310) 274.0248
email: greatscottpr@pacificnet.net

Velo Club La Grange Westwood has inked a title sponsorship deal with Minute Maid and Dasani for the 2002 bicycle racing season. The Los Angeles-area club will race under the Minute Maid/Dasani-La Grange moniker. Directed by Eddie Monnier, the racing program consists of 47 amateur men and women road, track and mountain bike racers that primarily compete in races staged in California, although some of the squad's racers participate in events throughout the U.S. and abroad.

"We're very excited to be associated with Minute Maid and Dasani this season," said Velo Club La Grange Westwood president Claude Innocenti. "They are nationally known brands that symbolize health and quality. It's a perfect match for our racers. Minute Maid and Dasani will provide the financial boost our program needs in order to compete with the best amateur cycling teams in the U.S."

Team uniforms prominently feature the Minute Maid and Dasani logos. Currently the club is working along with upscale grocer Bristol Farms on various marketing plans to maximize exposure to benefit both the beverages and the racing squad with an emphasis on Southern California.

Founded in 1969, Velo Club La Grange Westwood has a 33-year history of supporting bicycle racing and recreation. There are over 300 active members, 100 of which are racers licensed by the United States Cycling Federation. Velo Club La Grange has a legacy that includes Olympic medalists, Tour de France stage winners, World Champions, National Champions, and State Champions, which underlines the club's commitment to racing. Additional club information can be found at www.lagrange.org

The Minute Maid Company is an operating group of The Coca-Cola Company - the world's leading marketer of premium fruit juices and drinks. Minute Maid juices are available worldwide and come in a variety of flavors and packages.

Dasani is purified water enhanced with minerals for a pure, fresh taste. Dasani is The Coca-Cola Company's first bottled water in North America.