TECH & TRAINING PRESS OFFICE STORE

Pro Team RACE CALENDAR SPONSORS

Press Office

Race Results

Press Release

Sutter Home will be represented by Luis Amaran, Nick Frey, Andy Guptill, Guido Palma, Jackie Simes, and Tom Zirbel.

“Univest is one of our favorite races and we look forward to closing out an excellent season with a strong finish here,” said Alexandre. “I’m looking forward to great results from Nick Frey, who finished on the podium here last year.”

The Univest Grand Prix begins with a 100-mile road race over a clover-leaf circuit route on September 17^th and concludes with a 50-mile criterium in downtown Doylestown, PA.

For results and photos, visit www.JamisSutterHome.com

Top 10 Stage Finishes at Tour of Utah for Jamis/Sutter Home Pro Cycling Team

Tyler Wren Finishes in Top 10 in Prologue; Tom Zirbel is Top Domestic Finisher in Stage Three Time Trial

Covering over 400 miles in just 6 days, and with over 30,000 feet of climbing, the Tour of Utah is not exaggerating when it claims to be "America's toughest stage race." With mountains, circuit races, and a flat mid-race time trial, it takes a well-rounded rider supported by a well-rounded team to succeed. The Jamis/Sutter Home Pro Cycling Team came with a roster that could excel on every stage and included climbers Tyler Wren and Luis Amaran, time trial specialists Tom Zirbel and Fernando Antogna, sprinter Alejandro Borrajo, and versatile strong men Jamie Driscoll, Andy Guptill, and Nick Frey. Tyler has a special affinity for the race as he has been a Utah resident for the past three years and lives less than a block from the Stage 4 circuit in downtown Salt Lake City.

Tyler finished in the top 10 in the prologue at Olympic Park in Park City, the location of the Olympic ski jump and luge events for the 2002 Winter Games. He was rewarded for his extraordinary efforts with the Best Utah Rider jersey, a distinction he held onto through the first stage.

As a past winner of the Tour of Utah Stage 3 Time Trial, Jamis/Sutter Home's Tom Zirbel was motivated and ready to attempt a repeat victory. He knew the level of competition at this year's edition of the race was higher than ever before but was up for the challenge. Waiting in the start house, Tom looked relaxed and ready. When the timer counted down from five and said, "go," he was off like a shot. Flying around the flat course in his largest gears and taking every possible turn in his aero bars to stay as low and fast as possible, Tom was clearly on a good ride. He stopped the clock at an impressive 18 minutes and 3 seconds, good enough for 9th place, making him the top domestic professional.

###

Luis Amaran of the Jamis/Sutter Home Pro Cycling Team Wins Tour of Elk Grove

Tom Zirbel Takes Second in Stage One Time Trial

The three-day Tour of Elk Grove is considered one of the fastest and most intense stage races of the season with a short time trial and two circuit races with seemingly endless corners. With the technical difficulty of the circuits so high, aggressive riding and daredevil cornering are often rewarded with multiple trips to the podium. Having some of the quickest racers and best bike handlers in the country on the roster, the Tour of Elk Grove is tailor-made for the Jamis/Sutter Home Pro Cycling Team. Representing the team were time trial specialists Tom Zirbel and Fernando Antogna, sprinters Alejandro and Anibal Borrajo, 2010 NRC champion Luis Amaran, and strongmen Eric Schildge, Guido Palma, and Jackie Simes.

The flat and fast opening 4.3-mile time trial was the perfect opportunity for the Jamis/Sutter Home riders to show their strength and set the tone for the race. Tom Zirbel flew down the start ramp and never let off the gas until he crossed the finish line a mere 8 minutes and 26 seconds later. In a season filled with close calls and near misses, Tom's time was good enough for 2nd place, just a few hundredths of a second from the win. Fernando Antogna also had a great ride, finishing just four seconds behind Tom in 5th place.

In Stage Two's 93-mile circuit race, Guido Palma found himself off the front with a strong group of nine riders early on. Less than one lap later, they were joined by another small group containing Tom Zirbel. The group worked well together, and as they approached the mid-race sprint, Tom attacked and crossed the line solo, pocketing $1,000, and more importantly, a six-second time bonus that made him the new race leader. When Tom and Guido's group was caught, Luis Amaran immediately jumped away with another four riders and quickly established a comfortable gap of several minutes. Once other teams realized Luis, a prominent GC threat, was in the break, more riders attacked and tried to bridge up to him. But by then it was too late. With several strong surges, Luis was able to come to the line with one other rider. Luis finished second in the stage but moved to the top of the GC thanks to his aggressive riding.

Jamis/Sutter Home entered the final Stage Three 70-mile circuit race with Luis in the leader's jersey. As the race got underway, the entire squad moved to the front and set a strong pace, controlling the race while also protecting Luis. About halfway through, it started raining and the team's worst-case scenario unfolded: the rider sitting in second place, just two seconds behind Luis, won a time bonus sprint which allowed him to leap from ahead of Luis. The team immediately went back on offense and wasted no time picking up the pace in anticipation of the final time bonus sprint. This time, everything went according to plan: the lead-out was textbook as Luis took the bonus and reclaimed the race lead. As the finish approached, other teams looking for the stage win took over the pace making. Alejandro Borrajo launched a strong sprint to finish sixth. Luis finished safely in the main bunch and sealed the overall victory.

Jamis/Sutter Home will continue racing at the Tour of Utah, which runs from Tuesday, August 9th through Sunday, August 14th. Jamis/Sutter Home's Andy Guptill provided an overview of the race to ABC-TV's Salt Lake City affiliate; view the interview here.

###

Stage Victory and Podium Finish for Jamis/Sutter Home Pro Cycling Team at Tour do Rio

Eric Schildge Wins Stage Five; Tyler Wren Takes Third in "Queen Stage"

With the international spotlight soon shining on Rio de Janeiro when it hosts the 2016 Summer Olympic Games, Brazil is investing heavily in world-class sporting events like the Tour do Rio. Running from July 27-31, the UCI 2.2 event is among the most prestigious races in all South America. Representing the Jamis/Sutter Home Pro Cycling Team were sprinter Anibal Borrajo and climber Tyler Wren, supported over the five days by aggressive strongmen Jamey Driscoll, Nick Frey, Guido Palma, and Eric Schildge.

For American riders Tyler Wren and Nick Frey, the trip was almost over before it began. Upon landing in Rio de Janeiro, both were informed that the visas they had obtained the previous fall had expired and they would not be allowed to enter the country. Thankfully, crisis was averted by an emergency call to the ministry department and a good word from the mayor of Rio. After almost a full day stuck in customs, Tyler and Nick were finally free to join their teammates and focus on the race. Unfortunately, Nick did not fare much better in the Stage One road race. Racing was aggressive from the start, with hills, crosswinds, and poor conditions contributing to the difficulty of the 90-mile course. Nick crashed hard in the first mile and was forced to abandon due to a deep laceration to his kneed. But his Jamis/Sutter Home teammates stayed attentive and active, with most finishing in the main group.

With flatter terrain and calmer winds, the 100-mile Stage Two road race was a welcome change for most riders. With the help of his teammates, Anibal Borrajo worked his way up into position and fought to hold the wheels of the other top sprinters in the race. A tricky U turn at two miles to go shuffled the group but Anibal was able to return to the front and then jumped for the line with everything he had. Spread six wide across the road, Anibal threw his bike forward in a close sprint, ultimately finishing fourth.

Jamis/Sutter Home knew the 73-mile Stage Three road race would be important for the general classification battle, with one categorized climb shortly after the start and a second near the finish. Attacks came right from the gun, with Eric Schildge leading the charge. Eric was eventually reeled in before the first climb but he successfully allowed his teammates to take refuge in the peloton and enter the hills as fresh as possible. The field stayed mainly together until the final ascent where, over the top of the climb and on the following descent, a group of 11 riders, including Tyler Wren and Jamey Driscoll, was able to pull away. The final run in to the finish was full of attacks, but Tyler and Jamey held strong and launched impressive sprints to the line, finishing 4th and 5th, respectively. Their efforts also moved them up to 9th and 10th, respectively, on the general classification.

Stage Four was the "queen" stage of this year's Tour do Rio, with hills throughout the 119-mile course. Jamis/Sutter Home's Eric Schildge spent the opening miles off the front with another rider. While he and his breakaway companion were caught on the first major ascent, another break of 12 riders went over the top of the climb, with Tyler Wren, Jamis/Sutter Home's best-placed GC contender, in the group. Not one to be left out of the action at the front, Jamie Driscoll eventually managed to bridge up to Tyler's group after a daunting chase with another rider. As the finish line approached, Jamie launched an attack with just under two miles remaining, forcing other teams to chase and allowing Tyler to sit in the draft and conserve energy for the sprint. As Jamie was caught, Tyler jumped toward the line, crossing in third for the Jamis/Sutter Home's first podium appearance. With a significant time gap to the next group, Tyler and Jamie also moved up to 7th and 8th, respectively, on the general classification.

Stage Five of the Tour do Rio was a flat, 110-mile run to the finish line. From the gun, the Jamis/Sutter Home squad covered moves and launched their own attacks. Again, it was Eric Schildge who found himself in a promising move with four other riders. The break worked well together and maintained a comfortable lead throughout the stage. As they approached the finish line, their gap was still significant enough that it looked like they would be racing for the win. With this in mind, Eric did his best to conserve energy and maintain perfect position. As the small group entered the finishing stretch, Eric unleashed an incredible sprint and won the stage. Tyler and Jamie finished safely in the main peloton to maintain their rankings of 7th and 8th, respectively, on general classification.

###

Jamis/Sutter Home Pro Cycling Team Finishes BMC Cascade Cycling Classic with Two Riders in Top Five on GC

Luis Amaran on the Podium in Stage Four Criterium

In stage races like the BMC Cascade Cycling Classic, criteriums are typically known as days for the sprinters while the GC contenders can sit back and relax somewhat. But Jamis/Sutter Home Directeur Sportif Sebastian Alexandre knew that with some aggression, his squad could capitalize on the 75-minute Downtown Criterium. From the gun, Jamis/Sutter Home riders were covering moves and working to make a breakaway stick. Luis Amaran found himself in an early move with five other riders that worked well together and quickly established a comfortable gap on the field. The break was so effective that they lapped the field with just 10 laps remaining. With help from his teammates, Luis positioned himself for the final sprint and launched for the line, finishing third on the stage. But the big news was that thanks to his heads-up racing, Luis gained over a minute and a half and moved all the way up to 4th on general classification. Tom Zirbel finished comfortably in the field and followed Luis in 5th going into the final stage.

The final stage of the BMC Cascade Cycling Classic, the 83-mile Awbrey Butte Circuit Race, includes two short but decisive climbs in each 17-mile lap, making it a challenging and fitting finale. Racing was fast and aggressive from the gun and Jamis/Sutter Home's Luis Amaran and Tom Zirbel were attentive and active near the front of the field. A small break ultimately escaped and made it to the line with a small advantage, but Tom and Luis raced well to finish in 8th and 10th, respectively, less than a minute behind. Luis finished the six-day race in fourth overall while Tom was just a seconds behind in fifth.

###

Tom Zirbel of the Jamis/Sutter Home Pro Cycling Team Takes 2nd in Stage 2 Time Trial at BMC Cascade Cycling Classic
As the elite men rolled up to the start house for the Stage 2 Skyliners Time Trial, all eyes were on Jamis/Sutter Home's Tom Zirbel -- one of the favorites for a top placing. The challenging, 14-mile out-and-back course climbed nearly the entire distance to the turn-around point before riders flew back toward the finish. Tom raced down the start ramp, pumping his bike from side to side as he accelerated and then quickly settled into his aero position. His speed stayed high the entire way out and then stepped even harder on the gas on the way back, using his power and weight to maximum advantage. Tom came screaming across the line to stop the clock at 29:26, good enough for 2nd place. The effort also moved Tom up to 4th on the general classification, just seconds off of the podium and within striking distance of the lead. Luis Amaran also had a great day, finishing 10th and demonstrating the depth of the Jamis/Sutter Home squad.

Jamis/Sutter Home Pro Cycling Team Wins Opening Prologue of BMC Cascade Cycling Classic

First NRC Victory for Fernando Antogna

One of the most scenic yet challenging stage races on the NRC calendar, the six-day BMC Cascade Cycling Classic draws a stellar field to compete in the picturesque mountains around Bend, OR. With the Jamis/Sutter Home Professional Cycling Team competing in stage races in both North and South America this week, Directeur Sportif Sebastian Alexandre divided the squad to maximize results. Forming the well-rounded roster for the Cascade Cycling Classic are NRC overall champion Luis Amaran, time trial ace Tom Zirbel, Fernando Antogna, Alejandro Borrajo, Demis Aleman, and U-23 rider Weston Luzadder.

The Cascade Cycling Classic gets off to an intense start with a two-mile individual time trial. Riders rip out of the start house and barely settle into a rhythm before reaching the turnaround at the halfway point and starting the final push back to the finish line. A prologue of this length is perfect for Jamis/Sutter Home's Fernando Antogna, a former national champion on the track who is best known as a pursuit rider. Fernando sprinted off the line and flew around the course and back through the finish line, stopping the clock at an incredible 3 minutes and 56 seconds. Teammates Tom Zirbel and Luis Amaran finished in 5th and 10th, respectively, just 3 and 5 seconds slower. With the prologue victory, Fernando slips on the leader's jersey as the race heads into the first road stage.

###

Jamis/Sutter Home Pro Cycling Announces Rosters for BMC Cascade Cycling Classic and Tour do Rio

Northvale, NJ (July 12, 2011) - The Jamis/Sutter Home Pro Cycling Team is dividing to conquer the BMC Cascade Cycling Classic in Bend ,OR and Brazil's Tour do Rio. Directeur Sportif Sebastian Alexandre made the announcement.

"When we added Tom Zirbel to the Jamis/Sutter Home roster, we knew we would be racing Cascade," said Alexandre. "With Tom and Luis Amaran, we've got the power for stage wins and top GC finishes.

At his last appearance at the BMC Cascade Cycling Classic in 2009, Zirbel won the stage three time trial. In 2008, he finished in the top 10 overall. Amaran, the 2010 NRC Champion, finished third on general classification at the six-stage Nature Valley Grand Prix in June.

Joining Amaran and Zirbel in Jamis/Sutter Home colors at the starting line of the BMC Cascade Cycling Classic will be Alejandro Borrajo, currently ranked fifth in the NRC individual rider standings, Fernando Antogna, Demis Aleman, and U23 rider Weston Luzadder.

The BMC Cascade Cycling Classic begins on July 19th and continues through July 24th.

Three days later, Jamis/Sutter Home riders will line up for the Tour do Rio in Brazil. "This is our first time racing the Tour do Rio," said DS Alexandre. " Our squad includes a mix of sprinters, climbers, and strong all-around riders who are likely to do very well on this challenging course."

The Jamis/Sutter Home roster for the Tour do Rio includes:

Anibal Borrajo (ARG)

Jamey Driscoll (USA)

Nick Frey (USA)

Guido Palma (ARG)

Eric Schildge (USA)

Tyler Wren (USA)

News and photos from the BMC Cascade Cycling Classic and Tour do Rio will be available on the team website at www.JamisSutterHome.com and on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/JamisSutterHome.

Luis Amaran of the Jamis/Sutter Home Pro Cycling Team Finishes Third Overall at Nature Valley Grand Prix

As the final stage of the Nature Valley Grand Prix, the incredibly challenging Stillwater Criterium always provides fans and spectators with fireworks as riders make last-ditch efforts to climb up the general classification. With Luis Amaran sitting just three seconds out of 3rd, the Jamis/Sutter Home Pro Cycling Team's top priority was to move him onto the podium. From the start, Nick Frey, Fernando Antogna, and Eric Schildge were near the front, keeping the pace high and creating splits in the peloton. Mid-race, Jamey Driscoll and Tom Zirbel attacked together, forcing the leading team to chase and burn through several of their riders. Finally, with just three laps remaining, Tyler Wren jumped with Luis on his wheel and set a blistering pace that only seven riders could match. Further attacks splintered this small group but Luis held strong to finish 5th on the stage, and more importantly, moved up to 3rd overall. Tyler Wren also had a great day, finishing just behind Luis in 6th.

Next week, Jamis/Sutter Home colors will be represented in three locations. Alejandro and Anibal Borrajo, Demis Aleman, Nick Frey, and Fernando Antogna will race the Glencoe Grand Prix in Glencoe, IL while Jamey Driscoll, Eric Schildge, and Guido Palma will line up for the Hyden Blast Park in Cincinnati, OH. On Sunday, June 26th, Fernando Antogna and the Borrajo brothers will join Luis Amaran for the Manhattan Beach Grand Prix in Manhattan Beach, CA.

###

Tom Zirbel of the Jamis/Sutter Home Pro Cycling Team Wins Most Aggressive Jersey in Stage Three of Nature Valley Grand Prix

Lining up for the 66.5-mile Cannon Falls Road Race, the third stage of the Nature Valley Grand Prix, the Jamis/Sutter Home Pro Team knew they would have to be aggressive to have a chance at taking over the top spot in the general classification. Attacks were launched right from the gun and Jamis/Sutter Home riders were right in the thick of it. The incredibly fast pace kept most breakaway attempts from achieving significant gaps but Tom Zirbel and three other riders escaped and were able to stretch out their advantage to just over 30 seconds. Good but not enough and Tom's break was reabsorbed as the peloton charged into the first of six finishing circuits. Approaching the finish, the Jamis/Sutter Home squad came together to set up Alejandro Borrajo for the sprint but an untimely crash on the last circuit took Ale down. Fortunately, Ale is fine but he was unable to contest the sprint. The remaining Jamis/Sutter Home riders stayed together and out of trouble at the front of the field with Tom Zirbel, Fernando Antogna, and Luis Amaran crossing the line in 9th, 10th, and 11th, respectively. Tom was rewarded for his breakaway effort with the Most Aggressive Rider jersey. Tom and Fernando also retained their top 10 rankings in the overall classification.

###

Jamis/Sutter Home's Tom Zirbel Aims for Victory at Nature Valley Grand Prix

Tyler Wren Adds International Win to 2011 Results

Northvale, NJ (June 13, 2011) - The Jamis/Sutter Home Pro Cycling Team will line up for the 2011 Nature Valley Grand Prix with a winning roster of climbers, sprinters, and strong all-arounders. Directeur Sportif Sebastian Alexandre made the announcement.

Tom Zirbel, who won the silver medal at the USPRO National Time Trial Championships in May, is a favorite for stage victories and even the overall win. In 2009, Zirbel finished second overall at Nature Valley and won the opening stage.

Zirbel will be joined at the starting line by NRC Champion Luis Amaran, Alejandro Borrjao, overall winner of the Tulsa Tough, and Tyler Wren. Wren is now recognized as winner of Stage 9 of the 2011 Vuelta Ciclista de Chile, considered the "queen" stage of the 10-day, 750-mile race. Wren, whose valiant efforts over 40 switchbacks in the 20-mile climb earned him the equivalent of the Most Aggressive Rider jersey, had been ranked 2nd on the day. Stage and overall winner Marco Arriagada of Chile was advised by the UCI in April that urine samples taken during the Vuelta Chile tested positive for stanozolol metabolites. Recent analysis of the B samples confirmed the positive findings.

"I am very pleased that Tyler will be recognized as the winner of the queen stage of the Vuelta Chile," said Carine Joannou, President of title sponsor Jamis Bicycles. "This is a testament to Tyler's dedication, his training, and his team. I truly hope that athletes everywhere are inspired by his example."

"Tyler had an amazing ride that day and I am pleased that he will now be recognized," agreed DS Alexandre. "The strategy and tactics that the team demonstrated in Chile will definitely be on display in the hilly stages of Nature Valley."

"While my enthusiasm over my first international victory is tempered by the way it was achieved, I'm confident and happy in my own decisions to race clean," said Wren. "In many endeavors, there are people who break the rules. My happiness and satisfaction comes from the choices I make, not theirs."

Jamis/Sutter Home's roster for the 2011 Nature Valley Grand Prix includes:

Tom Zirbel (USA) - USPRO Time Trial Championships Silver Medalist

Luis Amaran (CUB) - NRC Champion

Alejandro Borrajo (ARG) - winner, Tulsa Tough

Fernando Antogna (ARG)

Jamey Driscoll (USA)

Nick Frey (USA)

Eric Schildge (USA)

Tyler Wren (USA)

Alexandre also announced that the Jamis/Sutter Home has added several races to the racing calendar, including the BMC Cascade Cycling Classic in July.

###

Jamis/Sutter Home Pro Cycling Team Announces Roster for TD Bank Philadelphia International Championship

Northvale, NJ (June 2, 2011) - The Jamis/Sutter Home Pro Cycling Team will bring a roster of strong riders with complementary talents to the starting line for the TD Bank Philadelphia International Championship. Directeur Sportif Sebastian Alexandre made the announcement.

"We aim to build on the momentum of our recent successes," said Alexandre. "NRC Champion Luis Amaran was the top finisher among the Continental teams at last month's Amgen Tour of California."

"We're also very proud of Tom Zirbel for capturing the silver medal at last week's USPRO Time Trial Championships," Alexandre continued. "Luis and Tom are a powerful combination."

Sprinters Alejandro and Anibal Borrajo will be on the Philadelphia International Championship starting line as well. "Ale has a very good shot at the podium," said Alexandre. "He finished fourth last year and has been in the top 10 several times before that."

The Jamis/Sutter Home roster for the TD Bank Philadelphia International Championship includes:

Luis Amaran (CUB)

Fernando Antogna (ARG)

Alejandro Borrajo (ARG)

Anibal Borrajo (ARG)

Jamey Driscoll (USA)

Andy Guptill (USA)

Eric Schildge (USA)

Tom Zirbel (USA)

2nd Place Finish at USPRO National Time Trial Championship for Tom Zirbel of the Jamis/Sutter Home Pro Cycling Team

(photo: jonathan devich/epicimages.us)

Ever since Tom Zirbel signed with the Jamis/Sutter Home Pro Cycling Team in late April, the North American peloton has eagerly awaited his performance at the USA Cycling Professional Time Trial Championships in Greenville, SC. The 20.7-mile time trial course is highly technical, consisting of three laps with many turns, several small climbs, and screaming fast descents. Tom charged out of the start house and was up to full speed in no time, immediately settling into a blistering pace. As he crossed all of the intermediate checkpoints, his times surpassed all of the previous riders. Tom flew across the finish line, stopping the clock at just 40:54, faster than the previous year's winning time. As the remaining riders failed to match his time, it became apparent that Tom would at least finish in the top five. Ultimately, one rider, six-time national champion David Zabriskie, would best Tom's time -- but only by 31 seconds. For Tom, 2nd place was no disappointment. "I really gave it everything today," said Tom after the race. "My Jamis bicycle was dialed and I paced my efforts perfectly, so I'm really happy with this result."

###

Jamis/Sutter Home Pro Cycling Team Announces Roster for National Championships and Tour of Somerville

Tom Zirbel to Represent Jamis/Sutter Home in USPRO Time Trial Championship

Northvale, NJ (May 26, 2011) - Demonstrating the depth of talent in its ranks, the Jamis/Sutter Home Pro Cycling Team will field squads at the USA Cycling Road and Time Trial National Championship in Greenville, SC and the Tour of Somerville in New Jersey. Directeur Sportif Sebastian Alexandre made the announcement.

"Moving the USPRO Championships to the same weekend as the Tour of Somerville might have been challenging for us in past years," Alexandre said. "But we have proven we can be as successful in road events as we are in criteriums."

New signing Tom Zirbel will represent Jamis/Sutter Home at the 20.7-mile Professional Individual Time Trial Championship presented by Duke Energy on May 28th. Zirbel, who made his debut in Jamis/Sutter Home colors at the Amgen Tour of California, finished second in the 2009 USPRO Time Trial Championships. That year, he also took fourth in the World Time Trial Championships.

Zirbel is also on the start list for the 115-mile USA Cycling Professional Road Race Championship presented by TD Bank on May 30th. He will be joined at the starting line by Jamis/Sutter Home teammates Jamey Driscoll, Nick Frey, Andy Guptill, and Tyler Wren.

"I am very excited about our prospects in the road race," said Alexandre. "Andy finished in the top 10 at last year's USPRO Road Championship, Jamey won the Most Aggressive Rider jersey during the Tour of California, and Tyler is racing better than ever."

At the Tour of Somerville, Jamis/Sutter Home will be represented by Demis Aleman, Fernando Antogna, Alejandro and Anibal Borrajo, Guido Palma, Eric Schildge, and Jackie Simes. "We will have so many riders to watch at Somerville," said Alexandre. "Anibal has already won two races so far this season. Alejandro has been on the podium at most of the major criteriums. And Fernando showed what he's capable of at the Tour of California."

The Jamis/Sutter Home roster for the upcoming TD Bank Philadelphia International Championship will be announced shortly.

Anibal Borrajo of the Jamis/Sutter Home Pro Cycling Team Finishes in Top 10 in Final Stage of Amgen Tour of California

Luis Amaran Finishes in Top 20 Overall

Jamis/Sutter Home's embedded correspondent Andy Guptill filed this report for the final stages of the Amgen Tour of California:

Stage 5 (131-mile Road Race) -- Today's stage was not only the longest stage in the 2011 edition of the Amgen Tour of California but also the longest in the six-year history of the race. Jamis/Sutter Home was aggressive from the gun but failed to make the day's breakaway. A brisk tail/cross wind kept speeds high and the break was never able to establish much of an advantage. With several miles to go, the break was reabsorbed and speeds shot up as teams tried to set up their sprinters. Alejandro Borrajo was feeling good and positioned well but a flat tire in the last mile forced him out of contention with no choice but to roll in with the group. There were several splits in the peloton on the run in to the line, but both Tyler and Luis were safely in front of them all and moved up slightly to 22nd and 23rd positions on GC, respectively.

Stage 6 (15-mile Time Trial) -- The hilly, 15-mile time trial in Solvang, CA is notorious for challenging even the strongest riders and serves to separate the top GC contenders. This year, strong winds presented another obstacle for the riders to overcome. Luis Amaran flew around the course, crushing the pedals with everything he had on the flats and climbs, and then bombing the descents and carving the turns to shave every possible second off his time. His efforts paid off with a 35th place finish, moving him to 21st on the GC.

Stage 7 (76-mile Road Race) -- Regarded as this year's Queen Stage, the 76-mile race was indisputably the most challenging and would see all of the major contenders battle for the win. Going either up or down all day and finishing on the top of an impossibly steep four-mile climb, there was little time to relax and every rider was pushed to the limit. Luis Amaran showed the strength that made him the #1 rider in the NRC series last year and hung with the best riders in the world almost the entire way to the line. Falling off the pace with just several kilometers to go, Luis kept pushing and finished an impressive 21st place, which moved him all the way up to 16th on GC. Tom Zirbel also had an impressive ride, finding his climbing legs at the right time and finished just seconds behind Luis in 22nd on the stage.

Stage 8 (83-mile Road Race) -- For the last stage of the 2011 Amgen Tour of California, the Jamis/Sutter Home Pro Cycling Team wanted to leave on a high note. Right from the gun, every rider took turns covering attacks, and finally 20 miles into the stage, Fernando Antogna found himself off the front with three other riders. Fernando rode as strong as ever, taking both intermediate sprints during the stage and stayed away from the absolutely flying peloton until just six miles to go. As the field charged toward the line, Anibal Borrajo maintained perfect position and despite being swarmed near the finish, jumped with everything he had on the right side of the road and crossed the line in an impressive 9th place. Luis also finished safely in the front group to maintain his 16th on GC.

With two top-10 stage finishes, three days spent in the breakaway and a Most Courageous Rider jersey, culminating in a top 20 finish in GC, it was a successful race for Jamis/Sutter Home Professional Cycling Team in the largest race in the US.

###

Jamis/Sutter Home Pro Cycling Team Advances in Overall Standings at Amgen Tour of California

At 81 miles, Stage 4 of the 2011 Tour of California is among the shortest but far from the easiest. With five categorized climbs and a mountaintop finish, it was a stage for the climbers as well as the first day for the true GC contenders to show their strength. In the previous stage, Jamis/Sutter Home's Jamey Driscoll was able to make the day's breakaway as he had in the opening stage.

For Stage 4, Jamis/Sutter Home changed strategy and all of the riders held back at the start to save their strength to help Luis Amaran and Tyler Wren approach the day's most decisive climbs in the best possible position. The strategy worked. Luis and Tyler entered the day's final climb with the very select front group. Charging up the impossibly steep three-mile climb to the finish with everything they had, Tyler and Luis finished 26th and 30th, respectively. As Andy Guptill, the team's embedded reporter observed, while these rankings might not typically jump off the page, considering the caliber of the field, the results are very impressive. Andy notes that among domestic riders in the race, Tyler and Luis ranked second and third on the stage. Equally important, Tyler's all-out effort advanced him to 23rd in the general classification -- Jamis/Sutter Home's highest ranked rider in the overall standings.

###

Jamis/Sutter Home's Alejandro Borrajo Finishes in Top 10 in First Stage of Amgen Tour of California

Jamey Driscoll Wins Most Courageous Rider Jersey

Running from May 15-22 and covering hundreds of miles between Lake Tahoe and Las Angeles, the Amgen Tour of California is the largest and most prestigious race in the US. With the top teams from around the world taking part, the Jamis/Sutter Home Pro Cycling Team was honored to be invited and determined to show their strength on one of cycling's largest stages. Jamis/Sutter Home brought a roster to tackle every stage with confidence. The Borrajo brothers, Anibal and Alejandro, are sprinting better than ever and Luis Amaran and Tyler Wren are two of the best climbers in the domestic peloton. New signing Tom Zirbel is a true time trial specialist and Jamey Driscoll, Andy Guptill, and Fernando Antogna are all around riders able to help in every situation as well as take advantage of breakaway opportunities.

Stage One, the 118.7-mile road race from South Lake Tahoe to North Lake Tahoe, was cancelled due to snow. Stage Two, originally planned as a 120-mile course, was shortened to 76 miles due to more snow overnight. In addition, instead of beginning at the ski resort of Squaw Valley, the racers were to drive down to Nevada City, several thousand feet lower in elevation and below the snow line, to start the stage. Some of the biggest names in the star-studded field were called to the line and then racing commenced under partly cloudy skies. Attacks flew left and right and Jamis/Sutter Home riders covered as many as they could. Jamey Driscoll jumped with another rider as the peloton entered a screaming descent and was joined moments later by two more. The foursome went full gas and before long had a sizable gap that eventually grew to almost five minutes. Several teams were hoping to take advantage of the day's relatively flat profile, however, and were motivated to bring back the breakaway to guarantee a field sprint. Jamey and his breakaway companions were ultimately reeled in by an organized chase with just 10 miles remaining. Then, it was time for the sprinters to have their chance at glory. Anibal and Alejandro Borrajo stayed together and steadily worked their way to the front of the absolutely flying peloton. With less than a mile to go, Anibal dropped Ale off in the top 10 and the final lead-outs for the finish began. Entering the final straight, Ale rocketed off the wheel in front of him and charged to the line, side by side with the best sprinters in the world, and finished in 6th, just inches off the podium!

Jamis/Sutter Home was pleased to open the race in co-title sponsor Sutter Home's home state with a top 10 finish. For his strong performance in the breakaway, Jamey was awarded Amgen's Breakaway from Cancer Most Courageous Rider Jersey.

###

Jamis/Sutter Home Pro Cycling Team Announces Roster for Amgen Tour of California

Northvale, NJ (May 9, 2011) - The Jamis/Sutter Home Pro Cycling Team has selected the riders that will represent the team at the 2011 Amgen Tour of California. Directeur Sportif Sebastian Alexandre made the announcement.

The Jamis/Sutter Home roster for the Amgen Tour of California includes Luis Amaran, Fernando Antogna, Alejandro Borrajo, Anibal Borrajo, Jamey Driscoll, Andy Guptill, Tyler Wren, and Tom Zirbel.

"We are very excited to be back at the Amgen Tour of California," said DS Alexandre. "Our squad has the power, speed, and teamwork to deliver good performances on this demanding course."

NRC Champion Luis Amaran is Jamis/Sutter Home's most accomplished GC rider. Last year, Amaran won the Joe Martin Stage Race and finished in the top 10 at the San Dimas Stage Race and the SRAM Tour of the Gila. With numerous podium finishes throughout the season, Amaran clinched the #1 ranking in USA Cycling's individual rider standings well before the final race on the 2010 NRC calendar.

Tyler Wren, Jamis/Sutter Home's resident climber, is another rider to watch in the GC standings. Wren opened the 2011 season on the podium in the stage nine road race at the UCI 2.2 Vuelta de Chile. He finished in the top 10 in the criterium at the Redlands Bicycle Classic, second in the stage two road race at the SRAM Tour of the Gila, and third overall at the San Dimas Stage Race.

Sprinters Alejandro and Anibal Borrajo are racing at top speeds this season. Anibal Borrajo captured his first NRC win at the stage two road race at the San Dimas Stage Race in March and shared the podium with his brother Alejandro in the stage three criterium. Alejandro, who won the stage three road race at last year's Redlands Bicycle Classic, also took second in the criterium at the SRAM Tour of the Gila in a photo-finish earlier this month.

With the addition of time trial specialist Tom Zirbel, who signed with Jamis/Sutter Home in late April, Alexandre is confident about the team's prospects at the largest stage race in the US. "The Jamis/Sutter Home train is legendary in single-day events. We've now got the squad that can drive the train over hundreds of miles."

###

Jamis/Sutter Home's Alejandro Borrajo Takes 2nd in Photo-Finish in SRAM Tour of the Gila Criterium

SRAM Tour of the Gila race report - continued.....

Stage Three (April 29th; 17-mile Individual Time Trial) - Known as "the race of truth," individual time trials take away any team or tactical advantage and a difference of a few seconds can mean a place on the podium or not. Right out of the start house at the Tour of the Gila, riders are faced with a four-mile climb, the first of several challenges on the hilly, wind-swept 17 mile out-and-back course. NRC Champion Luis Amaran blasted off the line and quickly settled into a solid tempo, passing riders one by one that had started in front of him. Taking risks and staying precariously in his aero bars to maximize his speed as he flew down toward the finish at speeds well in excess of 50mph, Luis screamed across the line in 35 minutes and 11 seconds, which put him in 4th place on the stage and moved him up to third on the general classification.

Stage Four (April 30th; 40-lap criterium) -- Consisting of 40 laps just over a mile in length, the course featured four turns and a sizable hill on its back straight that serves as the perfect launching pad for aggressive riders to attack. Attacks started flying right from the sound of the starter's pistol and it wasn't long before several groups of riders were able to escape the grasps of the peloton. Most breaks were short-lived and Jamis/Sutter Home was well-represented in almost every one. With just two laps to go, the field was still intact and Jamis/Sutter Home's Alejandro Borrajo still had three teammates lined up in front of him. One by one, Jamis/Sutter Home riders pulled all out until they could go no further when they were relieved by the next rider in the train. Alejandro exited the last corner in perfect position and sprinted with everything he had, throwing his bike forward on the line. The finish was so close that official photos had to be consulted. Ultimately, Alejandro ended up in 2nd by mere centimeters. Luis Amaran finished comfortably in the field to maintain his 3rd place on the general classification heading into the race's final stage.

Stage Five (May 1; 106-mile road race) -- Few days of racing in the US can match the amount of climbing that riders face in the last stage of the Tour of the Gila. With five categorized climbs and almost endless rollers in between, if a rider hasn't found their "climbing legs" by stage 5, chances are they won't be in the best of moods by the time they reach the finish line. As the field flew over the last flat stretch before the base of the first major climb, Jamis/Sutter Home riders were on the front keeping the speeds as high as possible. As the field shattered over the climbs, 10 riders escaped and Tyler and Luis found themselves in a select chase group. Despite impressive efforts, Tyler and Luis were never able to regain contact with the front riders and finished 16th and 21st, respectively. As a result, Luis slipped to 14th on GC with Tyler finishing just behind him in 15th.

###

Jamis/Sutter Home Pro Cycling Team Signs Tom Zirbel for 2011 Season

Time Trial Specialist Enhances GC Prospects

Northvale, NJ (April 29, 2011) - The Jamis/Sutter Home Pro Cycling Team has signed time trial specialist Tom Zirbel for the 2011 season. Directeur Sportif Sebastian Alexandre made the announcement today at the 25th annual SRAM Tour of the Gila in Silver City, NM.

"Tom is recognized as one of the best time trialists in the world," said Alexandre. "We are very excited that he will be riding in Jamis/Sutter Home colors this season."Zirbel, who finished second at the USPRO Time Trial Championships and fourth in the World Time Trial Championships in 2009, had been suspended for two years by the US Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) after testing positive for the steroid DHEA. Zirbel accepted the ban but continues to maintain his innocence. In March, USADA reduced his sentence by six months after Zirbel provided assistance in two separate anti-doping cases.

"We're pleased that Tom Zirbel has joined Jamis/Sutter Home," said Carine Joannou, President of title sponsor Jamis Bicycles. "His return to the US peloton marks an important juncture for Tom and opens up great opportunities for our team."

"I am very excited to join the Jamis/Sutter Home squad," said Zirbel. "I have tremendous respect for DS Sebastian Alexandre and appreciate the support that Jamis and Sutter Home have been providing to the sport for so many years."

While Zirbel announced plans to retire following his suspension, last November, he broke the record time set by seven-time Tour de France winner Lance Armstrong at the Tour de Gruene Bicycle Classic, a non-USA Cycling sanctioned event in Austin, TX. Once the ban was lifted, Zirbel teamed up with Hotel San Jose/ACME for the SRAM Tour of the Gila. "I love to race," said Zirbel. "Over the last year, I've learned to separate the case from my love of the sport."

"With Tom, our team is complete," said Alexandre. "Tyler Wren, who's known for his climbing skills, is racing very strong this season. NRC Champion Luis Amaran, of course, is formidable and the Borrajo brothers are our proven sprinters."

"Now we have the talent to win any type of race," Alexandre continued. "Which means our prospects for top GC finishes in stage races improve significantly."

Zirbel will officially join the Jamis/Sutter Home Pro Cycling Team in May. Rosters for upcoming races, including the Amgen Tour of California, will be announced shortly.

###

Media Contact

Susan Gilbert Cohen

Susan@KendalValley.com

973.650.1666

Jamis/Sutter Home Pro Cycling Team Takes Second in First Two Stages of SRAM Tour of the Gila

Tyler Wren is 2nd on General Classification

Located in Silver City, NM, the five day SRAM Tour of the Gila contains every possible ingredient to push riders to their limits: long stages, major climbs, technical descents, high altitude, and to top it all off, wind. The Jamis/Sutter Home Professional Men's Team has had great success at the race in the past, and is attending the race with a potent mix of climbers, sprinters, and all-rounders to take advantage of every possible situation. Representing the team at the event is Jamey Driscoll, Andy Guptill, Anibal and Alejandro Borrajo, Nick Frey, Fernando Antogna, Tyler Wren, and 2010 NRC champion Luis Amaran.

Stage One (April 27; 94-mile road race) -- The defining feature of the Stage One Road Race is its challenging six-mile finishing climb called the Mogollon. As long as the squad's climbers Luis Amaran and Tyler Wren could arrive at the bottom fresh and in good position, Directeur Sportif Sebastian Alexandre was confident that the team would finish the day with a top result. Right from the start, racing was fast and aggressive with endless attacks being launched. However, a stiff headwind kept most groups in check and it took over half the race for a group of 10 riders to finally establish a sizable gap. Unfortunately, Jamis/Sutter Home was not represented in the break, so every team rider except Luis and Tyler went to the front and clawed the group back. A successful chase meant a largely intact field entered the climb together so it was time for Luis and Tyler to go to work. They both hung tough with the top climbers, and while one rider was able to slowly ride away, Tyler launched his own attack just a mile from the summit and crossed the line in an incredible 2nd place, just 14 seconds behind the stage winner. Luis finished strong as well, crossing the line in 10th place on the stage.

Stage Two (April 28; 80-mile road race) -- Coming into the stage, Jamis/Sutter Home had two goals: protect Tyler Wren's 2nd place GC standing and win the stage. To accomplish this, the plan was to make sure no dangerous breakaway survived to the finish and then lead out sprinter Anibal Borrajo for the kick to the line. The mountainous course contained many narrow, twisty roads that challenged riders while both climbing and descending. Early in the stage, a break of six riders established a gap of several minutes but with 30 miles to go, Jamis/Sutter Home sent several riders to the front to start the chase in earnest. Like clockwork, the last breakaway riders were caught with less than five miles to go and the scrum for the finish ensued. The team had Anibal in perfect position with under a mile remaining. When the time was right, Anibal opened his sprint, charged for the line, and crossed in 2nd place, just inches from the win. Not quite according to plan but Tyler did finish safely in the front group to maintain his 2nd place ranking in the overall.

###

Jamis/Sutter Home Pro Cycling Team Takes Second in First Two Stages of SRAM Tour of the Gila

Tyler Wren is 2nd on General Classification

Located in Silver City, NM, the five day SRAM Tour of the Gila contains every possible ingredient to push riders to their limits: long stages, major climbs, technical descents, high altitude, and to top it all off, wind. The Jamis/Sutter Home Professional Men's Team has had great success at the race in the past, and is attending the race with a potent mix of climbers, sprinters, and all-rounders to take advantage of every possible situation. Representing the team at the event is Jamey Driscoll, Andy Guptill, Anibal and Alejandro Borrajo, Nick Frey, Fernando Antogna, Tyler Wren, and 2010 NRC champion Luis Amaran.

Stage One (April 27; 94-mile road race) -- The defining feature of the Stage One Road Race is its challenging six-mile finishing climb called the Mogollon. As long as the squad's climbers Luis Amaran and Tyler Wren could arrive at the bottom fresh and in good position, Directeur Sportif Sebastian Alexandre was confident that the team would finish the day with a top result. Right from the start, racing was fast and aggressive with endless attacks being launched. However, a stiff headwind kept most groups in check and it took over half the race for a group of 10 riders to finally establish a sizable gap. Unfortunately, Jamis/Sutter Home was not represented in the break, so every team rider except Luis and Tyler went to the front and clawed the group back. A successful chase meant a largely intact field entered the climb together so it was time for Luis and Tyler to go to work. They both hung tough with the top climbers, and while one rider was able to slowly ride away, Tyler launched his own attack just a mile from the summit and crossed the line in an incredible 2nd place, just 14 seconds behind the stage winner. Luis finished strong as well, crossing the line in 10th place on the stage.

Stage Two (April 28; 80-mile road race) -- Coming into the stage, Jamis/Sutter Home had two goals: protect Tyler Wren's 2nd place GC standing and win the stage. To accomplish this, the plan was to make sure no dangerous breakaway survived to the finish and then lead out sprinter Anibal Borrajo for the kick to the line. The mountainous course contained many narrow, twisty roads that challenged riders while both climbing and descending. Early in the stage, a break of six riders established a gap of several minutes but with 30 miles to go, Jamis/Sutter Home sent several riders to the front to start the chase in earnest. Like clockwork, the last breakaway riders were caught with less than five miles to go and the scrum for the finish ensued. The team had Anibal in perfect position with under a mile remaining. When the time was right, Anibal opened his sprint, charged for the line, and crossed in 2nd place, just inches from the win. Not quite according to plan but Tyler did finish safely in the front group to maintain his 2nd place ranking in the overall.

###

NRC Champion Luis Amaran to Lead Jamis/Sutter Home Pro Cycling Team at 2011 SRAM Tour of the Gila

Northvale, NJ (April 25, 2011) - NRC Champion Luis Amaran will lead the Jamis/Sutter Home Pro Cycling Team at the 25th annual SRAM Tour of the Gila, which begins April 27th and concludes May 1st.

"Luis' victory over Levi Leipheimer in stage two at last year's Tour of the Gila put him on everyone's radar," said Jamis/Sutter Home Directeur Sportif Sebastian Alexandre. "From then on, our secret weapon was a marked man."

Amaran, who finished 5th overall in the 2010 edition of the SRAM Tour of the Gila, went on to win the Joe Martin Stage Race and clinched the #1 ranking in USA Cycling's individual rider standings well before the final race on the NRC calendar.

At the 2011 SRAM Tour of the Gila, Amaran will be joined by Jamis/Sutter Home teammates Tyler Wre