Vardaros and Ingels to new team:Zannata-Champion System
Everberg, Belgium (September 23, 2009): In line with a rapidly growing women’s cyclocross scene, a new team has emerged – Team Zannata-Champion System. Although a small one with only two riders, their faces are very familiar at top competition cross events including the World Championships. They are Belgian Veerle Ingels and American Christine Vardaros. Ingels, a former Belgian National Champion, is a regular face in the top ten results at World Cups with multiple podium placings and wins at other UCI International events. Vardaros has posted many top tens, podium placings and wins in UCI International events in America and Belgium, and has represented the United States three times at the Cyclo-cross World Championships. Supporting the team are three main sponsors - Zannata Bikes, Champion System Clothing, and Garage Van Ermen. “We are thrilled to have secured two of the top watched women cyclocross riders, Veerle and Chrstine, to represent Team Zannata-Champion System. Supporting women’s cyclocross is a natural next step in the company’s growth,” Johan Moeyersons, Zannata President comments.
Coming from outside the industry, David Van Ermen has a unique view of the team. “After years of watching women’s cyclocross, I made the decision to go from spectator to supporter. It will be exciting to see my company name doing loops on the legendary courses such as Koppenbergcross.” Adds David Van Ermen of Garage van Ermen.
The gals will be riding the 2010 Zannata Z45 Cross Full Carbon model (same as Team Baboco-Revor) designed by legendary Roland Liboton, five-time World Champion. To finish off the bike’s white and gold color-scheme are the KMC Gold SL chains and the white TRP EuroX Mag Brakes. “With top material to work with, I expect it will be a breeze to wrench for the team. Now if I can only figure out a way for the bikes to clean themselves,” quips seasoned team mechanic Jonas Bruffaerts. Complementing their new bikes are the Champion System race clothing that utilizes the bikes’ rainbow colors in their offbeat checkered pattern.
Vardaros, who recently moved to Belgium, explains, “As a recent transplant to Belgium, I am totally honored to be racing on a Belgian team as it’s a nice way to gain support from the thick swarms of Belgian fans who regularly line the course. It is also much appreciated that the team allows me to bring my personal sponsors like Specialized, Challenge, ProBar, Echappe, Mt Tam Bikes, Doc Martin’s and Speedplay.” Regarding her new teammate, Vardaros adds, “I’ve respected Veerle’s talent for years, so it’s an added thrill to have the opportunity to be racing with her.”
Clearly sharing in Vardaros’ excitement, Ingels remarks, "I am super happy to ride with this team. And together with Christine I want to make it a very nice season. My season goals are GVA Trofee and a good result in the Belgian Championships."
Looking ahead, Moeyersons plans to use the same approach to building the team as he applied to building the Zannata line over the last eight years; start small and with the highest quality, taking one step at a time. Moeyersons says, “It’s the first year we have a team so two riders is a nice manageable size. After this season, we’ll re-evaluate and then make our decisions on its’ growth.”
For more information, visit http://www.zannata.be/, http://www.garage-van-ermen/, http://www.champ-sys.com/, christinevardaros.blogspot.com, ingelsveerle.blogspot.com
The full team calendar includes a full World Cup schedule, GVA Series, and other top European UCI events.
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