Hello Everyone

TEAm Lipton has given me a refreshing new perspective on racing and has shown me how a real team should function. It has been wonderful having the full support of the sponsors and staff with us every step of the way. With such great support and an awesome and talented mix of riders, it is indisputable that we will have a very successful season.

TEAm Lipton started the season with a podium finish at McLane Pacific and we have been on the podium every weekend since. Even the constant rains and hail, yes, hail, haven't stopped us. And the TEAm hasn't just been winning stages but we won the overall at the San Dimas Stage Race after winning 2 out of 3 stages. Of course, not every race can be controlled triumphantly, which was the case at the Redlands Classic where we raced aggressively to take the leader's jersey on day 2 only to lose it on the last day. However, the TEAm bounced back and we again found the podium steps this past weekend at the Thousand Oaks and Garrett Lemire Criteriums. Now there will be a hiatus from TEAm racing as everyone refreshes and recooperates at home or wherever the road leads (I never know where I will be until I get there) until the next TEAm race at the Tour of the Gila in New Mexico.

Until I rejoin the TEAm in May, I will be racing at Sea Otter this weekend and then 5 days later I will be flying across the pond to race with the US national team for a 2-week project. Once again I am privileged to race the 9th edition (my 4th) of Fleche Wallonne (68 editions of this race have been held for the men so it is a very prestigious race, even for the women) in Belgium. From there I will tackle the Swiss race, Tour de Berne, for my first time. This is its first year as a World Cup event so it will be more competitive than ever. Finally, we will finish up the European tour with Gracia-Orlova, a 4-day tour in the Czech Republic that offers good racing but leaves us hopelessly pining for good food (good food is always important during a tour ,you know!). After 2 weeks racing in the stars and stripes on the roads of Europe, I will fly directly from Europe to New Mexico where I will rejoin the TEAm and our striking fleet of yellow submarines (that would be our fleet of car, van and trailer that is highly visible under the darkest of conditions). Hopefully by May the weather will have straightened itself out and will prove to be much finer than it has been here in California so far!!

In the meantime, you all should have a look at the team's website - Team Lipton. Especially interesting is the Media Center where you will find press releases, photos, videos and news from the various races where we are kicking butt. The site is a work in progress so keep checking in to see the new updates.

Also, take a look at the company who provides the TEAm's bikes - fujibikes.com where they are building the TEAm Lipton section.

For those who want to look and feel like a pro cyclist (and you feel comfortable in yellow), you can visit trialtir-usa.com where you can buy TEAm Lipton clothing. Go ahead, you'll look and feel good in YELLOW! 15% of the sales go back to the TEAm.

Well, I think that about does it for now. Until next time, drink more Lipton TEA!!!

Meredith