Fly V Australia p/b Successful Living - 2009
New Trans-Pacific team to make USA debut in the Tour of California and National Race Calendar. Team Roster, Riders and Equipment Profiles, photos and race USA Schedule. Team Director Chris White Interview

Australia’s newest professional cycling team, Fly V Australia presented by Successful Living Foundation, is set to take off in on two continents in 2009; as is its main sponsor, airline Fly V Australia with international flights landing and taking off this month from Los Angeles International Airport.

 Fly V Australia presented by Successful Living Foundation cycling team will have a trans-Pacific focus running a comprehensive program that will compete in the biggest and best races in the United States, Australia and Asia. The team proved their grit in the Boulevard Road Race placing four riders in the top five in epic conditions as an uncommon snow storm pelted the riders for 4 hours in atypical weather for a usually sunny San Diego this weekend.

Talented Trans Pacific Squad
The squad includes current Australian Criterium National Champion Bernie Sulzberger. Top rated U.S. climbers Phil Zajicek (former Health Net, Navigators) and Michael Grabinger(Successful Living), both coming off stellar 2008 seasons; Grabinger showed well in the mountainous Mt. Hood Classic with a top ten G.C. performance.  The team will be aiming for both time trial and stage wins at their Amgen Tour of California debut.

Ben Day joins his former team mate Phil Zajicek from the Navigators coming over from the now defunct Toyota United pro outfit; Day will be one of the teams G.C. riders and is capable of a very fast time trial.

Scott Davis chats with CSC colleague at the start of the 2nd Campina Ronde van het Groene Hart in 2008. Photo © 2008 Bart Hazen

Scott Davis, (ex Panaria/T mobile/Columbia) out of Bundaberg, Queensland, 30 years old turned pro in 2003 and brings five years of experience racing at the ProTour  level to the team. Scott has Grand Tour experience, having raced and finished in the Giro d'Italia and Vuelta a Espana, he will certainly figure in with the fast legs in the sprint finishes.  And yes, Scott is related to Allan Davis who is his younger brother and recently won the 2009 Tour Down Under.

Speaking of sprinters, the team has impressive talent available for the bunch gallops at stage ends in Davis, Bernie Sulzberger, Charles Dionne, Italian pocket rocket Alessandro Bazzana and American speedster and track star Curtis Gunn. 

Team Axe: Bob Parlee's carbon Z4 with SRAM Red

Add Aussie Jon Cantwell to the sprint train, Cantwell a 27 years old, comes from Jittery Joes and was the winner of Super Week 2008, the  fast man will be hunting stage wins, an aggressive rider,  he is a double threat to win out of the break. The team also added another fast man in Steven George, as team manager Chris white says, "...once up to speed at 60 kph, he can be counted on to deliver Jon Cantwell to the final 250 meters in field sprints" George won a Bronze medal in pursuit at the Beijing Paralympics as pilot. 

But we would be remiss not to note the team has no shortage of hard men; Sulzberger is, "Very crafty, hard as nails with a big engine and can suffer big time" in the words of team owner Chris White. The same could be said of Canadian Charles Dionne, returns to the team after a good 2008 coming back from hip surgery in 2006; Dionne is twice winner of the 'race without mercy' San Francisco Grand Prix; taking one of the victories away from none other than Lance Armstrong in the final sprint.

David Kemp 24 years old has raced in Europe in '05-07 and was 3rd ranked in the Australian NRC in 2008. Kemp is another strong man Rouleur who will figure in support of the team.  Young Gun Hayden Brooks (Frudi Frutii ' 07-08) ia "crafty in the bunch" just 23 makes his USA debut this year. Ben Kind  former SA.com rider fills out the team with a strong time trial and all round capabilities.

Sleek & Sexy TRP Brakes - TRP brakes set a new industry standard for lightweight and precise control

Team Management - Direteur Sportifs
The team should prove an interesting and exciting addition to the USA race calendar under the leadership of Olympian Steve Hegg and USA fan favorite Australian import Henk Vogels. Vogels will bring his 13 years of racing experience at the highest level in Europe, Australian and the USA on teams Mercury, Navigators, Davitamon/Lotto, Credit Agricole and more recently Toyota/United Pro. Vogels familiarity with USA races and teams and international experience will be invaluable to the teams efforts and guiding the younger riders to achieve their best.

Team Manager Chris White commenting on the trans-Pacific nature of the team, We have 10 guys who will race year round in Australia who form the grass roots feeder development Team. A former rider himself, sidelined by a bout of cancer 5 years ago. When asked what led to the formation of this team, White answered,

"I have been organizing Teams since 1992 (I started racing in 1985). Until now only in Australia. I have had riders including, Robbie Mc Ewen, Matt White, Nathan O'Neill and Ben Day all ride with Teams I have run back in Australia. The time is right now for an Aussie Team to go international. We have the riding talent and some great races back in Australia between August and January; and the world champs are in Australia in 2010."

Australian/American Alliance
When asked how the alliance with the Successful Living team started, White said, "Nathan O'Neill put me in touch with Steve Hegg last October and we both have the same goals and the alignment of our goals and our willingness to work together brought us a long way in a short space of time. Our partnership is young but strong. We are looking forward to working with Steve Hegg and his Team to create a really strong and competitive squad. As a team we have won 7 races already in '09 and will look to add to these results at the Amgen Tour of California and into the season."

Originally Nathan O'Niell was slated to be on the roster for the tour of California but a late appeal by the USADA to CAS extended O'Neills penalty to the full two year term. Originally the finding of the Australian anti-doping authority found "no significant fault or negligence and thereby imposed a lesser penalty" of fifteen months, allowing the rider to return to racing at the Tour of California.

The team has also signed Parlee bikes and a host of first class technical sponsors for their NRC assault this year... More about the team, equipment and race schedule below. Show up to a race and say G'day to our new Australian mates racing in the NRC - coming to a town near you in 2009,

Equipment to give Fly V Australia p/b Successful Living the Edge
Fly V Australia p/b Successful Living announce equipment specs for 2009
Brisbane, Australia Ahead of their forthcoming debut in the 2009 Amgen Tour of California, the Fly V Australia p/b Successful Living cycling team have finalized equipment sponsors for season 2009.

Fly V Australia p/b Successful Living
 2009 Roster

Team Director
Chris White
 Directeur Sportifs
Henk Vogels
Steve Hegg

In announcing a comprehensive list of sponsors, team director, Chris White said, “We are privileged to be able to announce such a fabulous list of product partners for 2009. We are looking forward to working closely with our partners and assisting them with their respective research and development programs. We have chosen our team equipment carefully to ensure the team has the most advanced and dependable cycling equipment in the world at its disposal – this will give us a big advantage in events throughout 2009”.

Team Axe - Parlee Z4
Team Fly V Australia p/b Successful Living will ride Parlee frames for 2009. The team will work closely with Bob Parlee and his team who will continue their industry-leading R&D program to ensure Parlee cycles remain ahead of the pack in carbon fibre bicycle technology.

The team Z4 poses on the beach in sunny California catching some rays before its debut in the local tour.

The team will ride the Z4 for road races and training, and the TT for time trial events throughout 2009, with the frames’ renowned combination of strength, light weight and handling making them ideally suited to the demands of professional racing.

“We think the Z4 is something special, its light weight means it's ideal for climbing, descending and sprinting. The TT is an excellent time trial bike, its low drag design will give our riders a distinct advantage in the individual and team time trials we're targeting during the season”, Chris White said.

Edge Composite Wheels
Continuing the carbon theme, Team Fly V Australia p/b Successful Living will spend 2009 rolling on Edge Composite carbon fibre wheels. The team will ride Tubular 1 38mm hoops for road events, Tubular 1 68mm hoops for time trials, and Clincher 38mm hoops for training, giving team riders the perfect wheel for any situation and any event.

The team will roll on Edge carbon wheels and Panaracer tires

Speaking about the partnership, Edge Composites founder Jason Schiers said, “Our carbon fibre technology is world leading and our proprietary moulding process creates a spoke interface that permits higher spoke tensions to be run. This enhances the durability of the wheel as a whole by limiting spoke fatigue and increasing durability, giving riders a significant advantage when they use our wheels.”

Edge Composites will also provide Team Fly V Australia p/b Successful Living’s handlebars, forks and seatposts. Speaking about the Parlee/Edge Composites combination, team Racing Director and 1984 Olympic IP champion Steve Hegg said, “The biggest challenge we are likely to face in 2009 will be keeping out bikes above the 6.8kg UCI weight limit – it’s not a bad problem to have!”

Essential team support by fi’zi:k Antares

Butt Comfort by fi’zi:k
With the amount of carbon fibre technology sitting underneath them, Team Fly V Australia p/b Successful Living will be assured a smooth and fast ride, however to ensure ultimate comfort, the team has chosen to partner with fi’zi:k to ensure the riders have the ultimate in saddle and bar tape technology and performance beneath them. The team will use a combination of carbon shelled and railed Aliante, Arione and Antares saddles and on their bikes. Speaking about the partnership, team Director Chris White said, “Our riders are pleased that fi’zi:k will be looking after their butts. Most of our riders have used fi’zi:k previously, and there was a strong push from within the team to get on them.”

Ensuring Team Fly V Australia p/b Successful Living riders get maximum power to the road will be Speedplay’s Zero pedal system, selected for their simplicity, lightweight, ease of use and the biomechanical advantage they offer riders. “Standardising pedals is a big decision for any team, but with Speedplay we know we have the best high-end pedal system available,” said Steve Hegg. “The riders were unanimous in choosing the pedals – as good an endorsement as you are likely to get.” Richard Byrne, Founder and CEO of Speedplay said, "We are honoured that Team Fly V Australia p/b Successful Living recognizes the advantages of our design and has chosen to race on Speedplay pedals, and we look forward to working with them.”

Full bicycle equipment specification: Frame: Parlee Z4 (road races) & TT (time trials), wheels, handlebars, seatpost and Fork: Edge Composites: Wheels: Tubular 1 68mm, Clincher 1 38mm, Saddles: Fi’zi:k Anteres, Aliante, Arione, Pedals: Speedplay
Groupset: SRAM Red, Brakes: TRP, Tyres: Panaracer

About the Team
 The Fly V australia presented by Successful Living Foundation Pro Cycling Team is an Australian registered continental professional cycling team that focuses on four key areas: Athlete Development, Health Promotion, Business Development Opportunities, and Environmental Sustainability.

Athlete Development - The team works with high performing elite male and female cyclists. Focusing on their development not only as athletes but with in their broader social and working lives. This is achieved through mentoring programs with in the cycling squad environment and in their chosen fields of education, training and employment.

Business Development Opportunities - The team structure also seeks to actively develop strong partnerships between sponsoring parties by encouraging and facilitating prosperous business relationships.

Health Promotion - The team works with sponsors to encourage staff and clients to use active travel modes of bicycle commuting to and from work. We do this by offering supported staff rides and product discounts through River City Cycles. We also encourage participation in mass cycle events which include: BDO Kendalls Mt Coot-tha Challenge, Wilson HTM 100 km Challenge and Around the Bay in a Day.

Environmental Sustainability - In partnership with Virgin Blue one of the team’s primary roles is to promote carbon neutral air transportation. Leading by example Virgin Blue was the first airline in Australia to introduce a carbon offset option when flying. The team promotes this option through logo coverage on our cycling kit and by off setting our carbon emissions when flying to National Series Races.

Fly V Australia p/b Successful Living
USA Race Schedule
14 to 22 February - Amgen Tour of California. UCI 2.4
1 March - Long beach Criterium (California)
14 & 15 March - Tour of Murrieta (California)
20 to 22 March - San Dimas Stage race (California)
26 to 29 March - Redlands Bike Classic (California) NRC
16 to 19 March - Sea Otter Classic (California)
26 April - Dana Point Grand Prix of Cycling (California)NRC
29/4 to 3 May - Tour of the Gila NRC (New Mexico)
2 May - Sunny King Criterium (Georgia) NRC
3 May - Nalley Historic Criterium (Georgia) NRC
11 to 17 May - Oregon Pro Cycling Classic (Oregon ) NRC
29 to 31 May - Tulsa Tough (Oklahoma) NRC
2 June - Lehigh Valley Classic (Pensylvania) USA ProTour
4 June - Reading Classic (Pensylvania) USA ProTour
7 June - Philadelphia (Pensylvania) USA PROTour
9 June - Tour De Beauce (Canada) OR
10 to 14 June - Nature Valley Grand Prix NRC (Minnesota)
28 June - Manhattan beach grand Prix criterium (California) NRC
18 July - Boise Twilight criterium (Idaho) NRC
22 to 26 July - Cascade Classic NRC (Oregon)
26 July - Chicago criterium NRC (Illinois)
31/7 to 4 August - Tour of Elk Grove NRC (Illinois)
8 August - Presbyterian Hospital Invitation (North Carolina) NRC
18 to 23 August - Tour of Utah NRC
7 to 13 September Tour Of Missouri USA ProTour
Australian Schedule available here

Main Sponsor Virgin Australia - International Airlines
Virgin Blue serves Australian Continent
Australia's newest international airline, VAustralia, is set to make its first flight to Los Angeles International airport on February 27, 2009.
Presenting Sponsor -  Successful Living Foundation

Equipment Sponsors
Parlee cycles - Parlee Bicycles creates the finest carbon road frames in the world. Renowned for their high design and beauty, Parlee frames integrate science and art to create the synthesis of timeless style and flawless performance.hwww.parleebikes.com

Edge Composites - Edge Composites creates the cycling industry’s fastest, most technologically advanced race accessories. Edge approaches manufacturing the way a world-class wine maker approaches his craft — as a personal, passion-fueled, and detail-intensive process. The result is a collection of uncommonly special products standing starkly against the ordinary. http://www.edgecomposites.com

Fizik- Fi'zi:k provides the ultimate in saddle design - combining comfort and lightweight, technology and innovation. Through physiological research, anatomic studies and advanced technology, fi'zi:k has succeeded in creating that perfect combination which translates into benefits for cyclists. FI'zi:k's saddle designs has seen them emerge as the undisputed leader in innovation and technology in saddle design and manufacturing. http://www.fizik.it

Speedplay - Speedplay create the world’s finest and most innovative bicycle pedal system. The design enshrines simplicity with technological innovation to deliver competitive and biomechanical advantage riders. http://www.speedplay.com

Panaracer - Panaracer have been manufacturing tyres for over 60 yrs. For the last 30 years they have been exclusively producing bicycle tyres from their factories located in Japan. In season 2009 Team Fly V Australia p/b Successful Living will ride the Panarcer Extreme EVO 2 clincher and Extreme Jet Tubular.. http://www.panaracer.com

TRP brakes - TRP was founded on the idea of building the highest quality braking systems available in the bicycle industry. TRP Brakes are designed for superior levels of performance and durability achieved through the use of advanced production techniques, accurate processing and meticulous quality control. By using exotic materials such as Carbon Fiber, Titanium and TT6 Aluminum, TRP brakes set a new industry standard for lightweight and precise control. http://www.trpbrakes.com

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