May 7, 2009 - Fayetteville, AR - The ValueAct Capital women once again demonstrated their strength in numbers by placing two riders in the top 10 at the Devil’s Den Hill Climb Time Trial today. The team placed 5 of their 7 riders in the top 20. Robin Farina took 5th place, while Chrissy Ruiter garnered 9th place.

The course was a 2.5 mile climb that wound its way through the Devil’s Den Park. Team Type 1’s Alison Powers took the top spot on the podium, followed by Webcor’s Katheryn Mattis. Webcor’s Erinne Willock rounded out the podium. “It is a very close race among the top 20,” commented defending champion Robin Farina. “A lot can change tomorrow.” Tomorrow’s stage is a 69 mile point to point road race which features an 8 mile climb. “We’re ready to race hard tomorrow,” stated director, Lisa Hunt. “We’ve got a lot of fitness and confidence after Gila and it shows!”

ValueAct Capital is one of the premiere value-investing firms in the United States, taking large ownership positions in publicly-traded companies and then working closely with company management to generate strong returns. ValueAct Capital is proud to sponsor a dedicated, talented cycling team that embodies the firm’s own work ethic and drive for success. Other sponsors include: Specialized Bicycle Components, SRAM, LOOK, Champion System, Mavic, Michelin, Hudz, Showers Pass, Skins and the USWCDP.

For more information, log on to www.teamvalueactcapital, or contact Team Director, Lisa Hunt, at lisa@euroduds.com.

May 3, 2009 - Silver City, NM - The ValueAct Capital Women went into the final stage at Tour of the Gila with two goals: 1) to maintain their top team status on General Classification and 2) to try to move Leah Goldstein onto the podium. Team Type 1’s Alison Powers was sitting in 2nd place, with Webcor’s Katheryn Mattis in 3rd place. “Leah outclimbed Alison at Mogollon, so we thought we could take advantage of the steep Sapillo climb and gain time on her, “commented team director, Lisa Hunt. “Katheryn got second at Mogollon, and she was also hungry to move up to 2nd on GC. If we could get a break up the road early on, we could arrive at the climb fresh and ready to pounce!”

The break of the day formed early, at approximately mile 15, and had all the major teams represented. VAC’s Nicole Evans was in the break, along with Webcor’s Rebecca Much, Colavita Sutter Home’s Rachel Heal and Lip Smacker’s Amanda Miller. The field was content to let them go, and the gap grew to over 4 minutes through the valley. The gap narrowed to about 3 minutes at the base of the climb, where Kristin Armstrong launched a powerful attack that no one else could match. VAC’s Kristin Sanders ensured that Goldstein was positioned well early on in the climb; and Robin Farina began to set a strong tempo on the climb, and Powers began to lose contact with the small group. With only a small gap, she was able to chase back on before the first descent. In this select group were Goldstein, Ruiter and Farina from VAC, along with Webcor’s Mattis and Colavita’s Cath Cheatley. But long the mesa and the modest descent, several other riders caught back on, including Colavita’s Tiffany Cromwell, Webcor’s Amy Dombroski and Lip Smacker’s Anne Samplonius. Read More

May 1, 2009 - Silver City, NM - The ValueAct Capital Women continue to prove they are the strongest team at the SRAM Tour of the Gila, as they put 3 riders in the top 10 at Friday’s Stage 3 Tyrone Time Trial. But their strength showed even more during Stage 2, with aggressive riding that resulted in a very near solo victory by Nicole Evans.

Thursday’s Inner Loop Road Race, a 78 mile hilly loop, marked the onset of the team’s determination to challenge Kristin Armstrong’s potential hold on the race. After the first time bonus sprint, the road began it’s upward tilt to the town of Pinos Altos. It was on this climb that VAC’s Evans put in a fierce attack that began to string the field out. Armstrong countered the move, which was quickly covered by VAC, and created a separation of 13 riders at the top of the climb. In this group were all the major GC contenders, including Armstrong, Webcor’s Katheryn Mattis and her teammate Alexis Rhodes, Colavita Sutter Home’s Tiffany Cromwell and Andrea Dvorak and VAC’s Goldstein, Chrissy Ruiter and Robin Farina. After the major descent, the group headed into the valley with both VAC and Colavita keeping the tempo high. But Webcor was not happy with the combination and did not work in the break. The chasing, yet dwindled down field of 30 riders, which included VAC’s Evans and Sanders, caught the break; and Evans capitalized on the lull of the catch and attacked and got clear of the group very quickly. With 25 miles to go, Evans began her solo escape and her gap grew to 2:30 over the field with just 10 miles to go. Webcor, who had their top sprinter, Gina Grain, began to chase, along with Colavita Sutter Home. Evans was caught with 1 mile to go, and Ruiter attacked again, with Sanders countering her effort. “Nicole put in an amazing ride, and I thought she was going to get the win,” commented director Lisa Hunt. When the field was approaching her, I told them to begin attacking. We were hoping to get one of the girls away for the victory. But Webcor was hungry for that win!” Read More

The ValueAct Capital Women’s Pro Cycling team has their sights set on a podium spot at the SRAM Tour of the Gila, which begins on Wednesday, April 29. Last year, VAC’s Leah Goldstein won the grueling Mogollon Stage 1 last year, took second in the time trial and took the overall. This year, Goldstein is back with an even stronger team, and is ready for the challenge. “We’ve got such a strong group of girls this year,” commented Goldstein. “And the competition will be tough; but we’re ready to race hard!” Among the notables racing this year are Cervelo Test Team’s Kristin Armstrong and Team Type 1’s Alison Powers. And both Webcor and Colavita are fielding strong teams.

Joining Goldstein this year will be Sharon Allpress, Nicole Evans, Robin Farina, Chrissy Ruiter and Kristin Sanders, who just completed a 6 week racing stint in Europe with the US National Team. “We’ve got an extremely powerful team for this race and any one of them could win stages,” said Team Director, Lisa Hunt. “And with the high level of competition in the field, this race will undoubtedly be very aggressive.”

ValueAct Capital is one of the premiere value-investing firms in the United States, taking large ownership positions in publicly-traded companies and then working closely with company management to generate strong returns. ValueAct Capital is proud to sponsor a dedicated, talented cycling team that embodies the firm’s own work ethic and drive for success. Other sponsors include: Specialized Bicycle Components, SRAM, LOOK, Champion System, Mavic, Michelin, Hudz, Showers Pass, Skins and the USWCDP.

For more information, contact Team Director, Lisa Hunt, at lisa@euroduds.com.

March 29, 2009 - Redlands, CA. The Beaver Medical Group Sunset Road Race proved to be a tight battle in the women’s race. Not only was it a 2 second battle between first and second; but it was a battle across the top 20 riders for precious seconds. In the end, the VAC women fought hard and Sanders and Ruiter held on to their 7th and 10th places respectively, and the team came in 4th over all, among 14 teams, in General Classification.

With 9 laps of a 10K circuit, the battle for time bonuses was on the first time across the Queen of the Mountain line. It was Columbia High Road’s Ina Teutenberg who nabbed the 3 second bonus and leapfrogged ahead of Amber Neben by a mere second. Lap after lap thereafter, it was Neben trying to force the pace to separate herself from the field and gain back time from Teutenberg. VAC’s Farina, Goldstein, Ruiter and Sanders covered numerous attacks, that narrowed the field down from 90 riders to a select group of 22 riders. It was Team Type 1’s Alison Powers taking the win over TIBCO’s Jo Kiesanowski and Webcor’s Nikki Butterfield. “It was definitely an interesting race,” commented VAC’s Kristin Sanders. “High Road wanted to protect Teutenberg’s lead on the road; and TIBCO was attacking and that kept the pace high.”

Next up for the team is the Dana Point Criterium on April 26th, followed by the Tour of the Gila on April 29-May 3.

ValueAct Capital is one of the premiere value-investing firms in the United States, taking large ownership positions in publicly-traded companies and then working closely with company management to generate strong returns. ValueAct Capital is proud to sponsor a dedicated, talented cycling team that embodies the firm’s own work ethic and drive for success. Other sponsors include: Specialized Bicycle Components, SRAM, LOOK, Champion System, Mavic, Michelin, Hudz, Showers Pass, Skins and the USWCDP.

For more information, log on to www.teamvalueactcapital, or contact Team Director, Lisa Hunt, at lisa@euroduds.com.

March 27, 2009 - Redlands, CA. The ValueAct Capital Women battled high winds and a challenging course to take another top 10 today at the Beaumont Circuit Race. Chrissy Ruiter took 8th and Kristin Sanders took 11th in a sprint finish in a splintered group of finishers. Today’s high winds and fast pace blew apart the field from the start; but the VAC women were there to cover all of the critical moves and be in every major break. Sanders held her 7th place on General Classification, while Ruiter moved up to 9th on GC. The VAC team is now in 3rd place on Team General Classification.

The high pace started from the gun and within the first 5 miles, the field had already lost over 20 riders. The TIBCO women’s team took control of the race and shattered the already dwindling field. But after the 2nd lap, a promising break, which included VAC’s Ruiter, TIBCO’s Julie Beveridge and Jo Kiesanowski, Alex Wrubleski from Columbia-High Road and Team Type 1’s Kori Seehafer gained over 50 seconds on the field. As the field approached the final climb, the break was finally reeled in; but only 25 riders remained in the front group. But VAC was well positioned and with Farina, Goldstein, Zell and Sanders there with Ruiter, they were ready for the fast charging finish. In the end, it was Ina Teutenberg taking the win over Colavita-Sutter Home’s Tina Pic, with TIBCO’s Lauren Tamayo rounding out the podium. “Today’s race was so hard with the high winds, ” commented Ruiter. “We knew that TIBCO would be aggressive and try to split the field; but our team rode so well today and covered everything.”

Tomorrow’s stage is the 60 minute downtown criterium. With time bonuses on the line mid way through the race, the race will be hotly contested battle. “This race is still so close within the top 10,” commented team director, Lisa Hunt. “It will be an exciting stage and we’re ready for it!”

ValueAct Capital is one of the premiere value-investing firms in the United States, taking large ownership positions in publicly-traded companies and then working closely with company management to generate strong returns. ValueAct Capital is proud to sponsor a dedicated, talented cycling team that embodies the firm’s own work ethic and drive for success. Other sponsors include: Specialized Bicycle Components, SRAM, LOOK, Champion System, Mavic, Michelin, Hudz, Showers Pass, Skins and the USWCDP.

For more information, log on to www.teamvalueactcapital, or contact Team Director, Lisa Hunt, at lisa@euroduds.com.

March 20, 2009 - San Dimas, CA - The ValueAct Capital Women’s Pro Cycling Team set its sights on the podium and got it today, as Robin Farina took charge and nabbed third place in the Glendora Mountain Time Trial. Team Columbia High Road’s Mara Abbott repeated her victory in this stage from last year, with a 45 second gap to second place, with Kahala LaGrange’s Kristen LaSasso taking second. Farina is 6 seconds behind LaSasso. VAC’s Nicole Evans took 10th place, with Emily Zell taking 14th. “I felt like I had a good ride,” commented Farina. “But I wasn’t sure whether it would be a podium finish. I’m really happy!”

The field of 80 women includes many of the top women’s pro teams, using San Dimas as a tune-up for Redlands next week. “Mara won by a good margin, but the rest of the field is very close,” said VAC’s Leah Goldstein. “With so many time bonus sprints on the line tomorrow, a lot of things could change. It’s going to be a hard race, and we’re ready!” Tomorrow’s stage is the 56 mile San Dimas Hospital Road Race in Bonelli Park, which features 8 laps of a 7 mile course that includes 3 QOM’s and 3 Hot Spot Sprints/time bonuses.

Glendora Mountain Time Trial Results:
1. Mara Abbott - Columbia High Road - 15:01.59
2. Kristen LaSasso - Kahala LaGrange - 15:47.27
3. Robin Farina - ValueAct Capital - 15:53.13
4. Catherine Cheatley - Colavita-Sutter Home - 15:58.13
5. Alex Wrubleski - Columbia High Road - 16:02.92
6. Ina Teutenberg - Columbia High Road - 16:04:13
7. Katheryn Donavan - Kahala LaGrange - 16:07.73
8. Kimberly Anderson - Columbia High Road - 16:07.80
9. Andrea Dvorak - Colavita-Sutter Home - 16:20.72
10. Nicole Evans - ValueAct Capital - 16:26.95
…..
14. Emily Zell - ValueAct Capital
23. Leah Goldstein - ValueAct Capital
45. Martina Patella - ValueAct Capital

ValueAct Capital is one of the premiere value-investing firms in the United States, taking large ownership positions in publicly-traded companies and then working closely with company management to generate strong returns. ValueAct Capital is proud to sponsor a dedicated, talented cycling team that embodies the firm’s own work ethic and drive for success. Other sponsors include: Specialized Bicycle Components, SRAM, LOOK, Champion System, Mavic, Hudz, Showers Pass, Skins and the USWCDP.

For more information, log on to www.teamvalueactcapital, or contact Team Director, Lisa Hunt, at lisa@euroduds.com.

The ValueAct Capital Women’s Professional Cycling Team kick off a two-week racing campaign with the San Dimas Stage Race, beginning this Friday, March 20th. The three day race begins with the grueling 3.7 mile Glendora Chevrolet Hill Climb, followed by a 56 mile road race on Saturday, and concludes with a 55 minute criterium on Sunday. The team will be led by Leah Goldstein, who was 4th overall at San Dimas last year. Goldstein will be joined by Nicole Evans, Robin Farina, Martina Patella and Emily Zell. “This is a great tune-up for Redlands,” commented Goldstein. “It’s a great way to kick off the season.”

Following San Dimas, the VAC quintet will be joined by Chrissy Ruiter and Kristin Sanders at the Redlands Bicycle Classic on March 26-29. Redlands is the second stop on the NRC schedule, and is the first race in the Women’s Prestige Cycling Series. The 7-rider squad will be aiming for the podium at the race this year. “Redlands always draws a stellar field, and this year is no exception,” said Team Director, Lisa Hunt. “We’ve got a really well rounded team this year; I think we’re going to surprise a lot of people.” Goldstein, who was the team’s top finisher at Redlands last year, sees Redlands as perfect preparation for the Tour of the Gila, which she won in 2008. Kristin Sanders, another strong finisher at Redlands last year, will be aiming for a top finish as well, and will be heading to Europe to race for the US National Team following Redlands. Chrissy Ruiter, who missed Redlands last year, as she was racing in Europe, will be eyeing a top spot this year. Nicole Evans, who was out most of the season last year due to a knee injury, is hungry for a strong finish; and this will be Emily Zell’s first time at Redlands. Robin Farina, the 2008 Joe Martin Stage Race winner, has shown great form this year, with a strong finish in the winning break at the Amgen Women’s TOC Criterium this year. And Martina Patella, who’s been a top contender in sprint finishes, has her eyes set on a stage win.

ValueAct Capital is one of the premiere value-investing firms in the United States, taking large ownership positions in publicly-traded companies and then working closely with company management to generate strong returns. ValueAct Capital is proud to sponsor a dedicated, talented cycling team that embodies the firm’s own work ethic and drive for success. Other sponsors include: Specialized Bicycle Components, SRAM, LOOK, Champion System, Mavic, Hudz, Showers Pass, Skins and the USWCDP.

For more information, log on to www.teamvalueactcapital, or contact Team Director, Lisa Hunt, at lisa@euroduds.com.

Article Originally Appeared In VeloNews.

The women of ValueAct Capital are on a mission. Of course, winning races is primary. “My goal is to be one of the top three teams,” team director Lisa Hunt said at their February 10-18 training camp in Healdsburg, California. “We were top five last year. I’m confident we can be one of the top three this year.”

Now in their fourth year, though, their mission has expanded. “We’re really out there to promote women’s cycling,” said Sharon Allpress, a racer on the team since 2007. “Not just to promote it, but to help it grow.”

Hunt, aptly nicknamed “The Huntress,” has two new weapons for growing women’s cycling. She’s established a partnership with the United States Women’s Cycling Development Program (USWCDP), and another partnership with Specialized, their official bike, shoe, helmet, and optics sponsor. Read More

Article Originally Appeared In Redlands Daily Facts.

REDLANDS - For Joe and Leslie Pompa, it was simply a matter of wanting to stay involved.

Starting as a first-aid volunteer with the Redlands Fire Department, Joe had seen the Redlands Bicycle Classic outgrow his duties, requiring a physician on site.

Still having the desire to be a part of Classic, Joe decided to help out in another way - host housing.

“I kind of got phased out with the first-aid volunteer stuff, but I still wanted to be involved somehow,” said Joe, a captain and 27-year veteran of the Redlands Fire Department. “So we were trying to figure out what else we could do and someone suggested that we host a team.”

Perhaps the most unique aspect of the Redlands Bicycle Classic, host housing has been a part of the event since its inception. Read More

Healdsburg, CA - The ValueAct Capital Women’s Professional Cycling Team spent the past eight days at their annual training camp in Healdsburg. Despite Mother Nature delivering a strong dose of wet, windy and chilly conditions, the VAC women persevered, logging many miles on the beautiful roads of Sonoma County. A break in the weather on Thursday allowed the team to enjoy a scenic ride through Occidental, Sebastopol and Santa Rosa.

Enjoying the sunshine!

Read More

We will be posting up the new team photo’s on or around February 14th! Stay Tuned!!!