Vanderkitten-Focus Top Step at MoPro Dutchtown Classic

jennifer Reither led the Vanderkitten-Focus to their 11th win of the season by taking out the final leg of the Tour de Grove MOPRO Series in Missouri.
Here is Jenn’s Race report:
A weekend at MoPro St. Louis MO.

The kittens were in St. Louis this past weekend racing hard and successfully bringing home a WIN!

LOOP de LOOP

The Kittens opened up with a warm reception at Friday night’s Loop de Loop, making their presence known by launching attacks, contesting primes and ripping the legs off the field. The crowd went crazy cheering and screaming GO Vanderkitten! The litter attacks included a purrrrfect launch and time off the front from Ruth Widner. Jasmine “Jazzy” Hurikino, hit awesome counter attacks after Captain Kitten JennX was reeled back in by the pack on a few occasions. The fan’s passion and support paid off as the team delivered kitten Kate “Chilly” Chicott to a 3rd place finish.
1st Sam Schneider – Tibco
2nd Sarah Feder – Pepper Palace
3rd Kate Chilcott

The Grove
Saturday’s race in The Grove was another day of attacking and chasing. The pack was a bit more aggressive as this race was part of the National Criterium Calendar and the heavy hitters were out for sprint points and a prestigious win. Vanderkitten raced the windy 1.5 mile course as tactically as possible sending girls off the front and having other team’s reel them back in. The wind took a toll on team VK. Efforts being put in were taking the kick and zap out of each kitten’s legs. We did have the extra kitty power with Maura “MK Ultra” Kinsella joining us with Fresh legs, who chased down attacks and stayed close to sprinter Emily “Mooney” Collins along with her teammate Jazzy. On the last lap, Jazzy strung out the pack for the last 2 while Jr. Kitten, Ruth “1K” Widner took a nice flying and spent a few laps off the front. took teammate Emily “Mooney” Collins through the last corner for the 200 meter sprint, Emily took a chance to sprint the open lane to the right but it was Erica Allar who won from the left lane. Emily held on for 4th.
1st Erica Allar – Ride Clean
2nd Sam Schneider – Tibco
3rd Laura van Gilder – Mellow Mushroom
4th Emily Collins – Vanderkitten

Dutchtown Classic

Without a win on the books for the weekend, Sunday’s race in Dutchtown was the last opportunity for VK to bring it home for the team. The plan stays the same… RACE the hell out of your bike. Whoever wins this race will have to put in a lot of work to do so. From the gun “MK Ultra” launches an attack, using her mad TT skill stays away for 10 minutes. Once reeled in “Chilly” hurts that pack on the climb, and then Jazzy launches with another rider on her wheel and stays away till 4 to go. When Jazzy is reeled in I launch a vicious attack getting a 11 second gap quickly, all the while, “1K Widner” and the rest of the kittens are protecting “Mooney” near the front of the pack. Quick side note, while Jazzy was off the front, Ruth railed a corner, flatted, skipped her bike across the pack and STAYED UPRIGHT!!! Mad skills, glad I saw it; no one would have believed her. From here on out the details get a bit vague as I was lacking oxygen, seeing stars and bottles Michelob Ultra (Title sponsor banners). I think people were telling me I had a gap of 20 seconds at 2 to go, but all I could hear was my mind saying, “Frack!! 2 more laps, Mooney better be ready when I get caught”. I think to myself to push just a bit harder to make them chase me and wear out the other sprinters legs. So put it to them I do and never look back. I then had the finish line in sight, thinking that the pack was on my heels I gave it every effort I could to get across the line, and I did, so exhausted that I couldn’t even fist pump my victory. I did finally looked back and wondered where the rest of the pack was, a spectator told me I had a 27 second gap, I was shocked.
The plan came together and the Vanderkittens did it as a team. This win meant so much to me, because it meant so much to all of us, Emily, Jazzy, Kate, Maura, Ruth, Bridie, Courtney, Starla, Vanessa, Jono, Dave and the Fans to celebrate another victory for Vanderkitten.
1st Jennifer Reither – Vanderkitten
2nd Sarah Feder – Pepper Palace
3rd Laura Van Gilder – Mellow Mushroom

Enjoy the photos,

Enjoy the Ride
Captain JennX Fairy Princess

For more pics and story, click JennBonics Blog

Yesterday, Aussie powerhouse Bridie O’Donnell rode a fast race at the Amgen Tour of California Womens Invitational TT. The 2009 Australian TT Champion clocked a 44:34 over the windswept 29km course that the Pro men contested directly afterwards. Report and more pics to come!

Bridie ODonnell and the lonely roads, with only thousands of cheering fans to keep her company…

Vanderkitten-Focus has enjoyed a #kickass first quarter of the year, with Jazzy hurikino scoring the 10th win of the season this weekend at the 39th annual Mikes Bikes Classic in Los Gatos California.

Vanderkitten-Focus squad at Cats Hill Classic

Jazzy was one of the favourites heading into the prestigous event, having won the 2010 edition of the famed hilly criterium as a 19 year old.

With Katheryn Curi Mattis Directing and on form Vanderkitten-Focus team behind her, however, Jazzy was unstoppable.

Emily Collins all smiles after a strong start to the season. Pic by Rob Evans

From lap two Hurikino and Kiwi teammie Emily Collins broke away from the pack over the famed 19% power climb, and when a Stevens Pactimo rider, Marley Smith bridged on the downhill, VK’s Kate Chilcott also came across. This made it 3 VK riders in a 4 rider break!

Jazzy, Emily and Kate driving the break. Pic by Wil Matthews for Focus

The bunch would not give in easily however, and over multiple ascents of the brutal climb, the peloton slowly reeled the breakaway to within launching distance.

With 5 to go it was gruppo compatto so without hesitation VK team captain Jenn Reither launched a solid attack and cleared the field, gaining 12 seconds immediately with only 4 laps to go.

The chase behind was furious and with 2 to go Jenn X was brought back into the field. no sooner had she come back that it was 3 time Oceania champion Bridie O’Donnell that made a bid for the line. The proven 2009 Time Trial Champion of Australia established a huge gap and the field was reduced to a selection of only the best as
they worked to contain the damage.

With half a lap to go, the last time up the climb Bridie was caught and this time Jazzy made her move. Within 300 metres she had formed a 100 metre gap to the field and put her head down with only half a mile of downhill to the finish line.

To the joy of the assembled crowd and sponsors, as well as Jazzy’s parents who had stepped off an international flight from Australia and made their way straight to the race, crossed the line and threw her hands in the air with exhausted jubilation.

Jazzy wins Cats Hill- sequence by Rob Evans. You can see Jazzy’s mom and Director Katheryn Curi Mattis cheering!

Only 2 seconds later her friend and teammate Emily Collins crossed the line punching her fists, with another Aussie, SportVelo’s Bec Werner in 3rd.

Jazzy 1st, Emily collins 2nd, Bec Werner 3rd. 2 Aussies and a Kiwi on a California podium

A momentous day for the Vanderkitten-Focus program and all is looking good for the next 2 months of competition that will see racing across the USA and UCI events in Canada and Philadelphia.

VK4LIFE!

Earlier in the month Vanderkitten-Focus had notched some top performances at the Sea Otter Classic in Monterey, with Emily Collins 3rd on Stage 1 and Emily and Kate recording top ten finishes in the final Circuit Race.

Emily Collins 3rd to Alison Powers and Loren Rowney at Sea Otter Criterium

visiting nuun at Sea Otter Classic

Jelly Belly hosted Vanderkitten-Focus on the Team Bus each day of Redlands Classic... lucky + fun!!!!

The 2012 Redlands Cycling Classic lived up to its hype as a spectacular kickoff to the Women’s NRC season. Vanderkitten-Focus sent a strong squad of 8 athletes, and although bad luck hit the team early on in the tour, our resilient kitties carried on in brave fashion representing VK in style!

Images by JasonPerry Photo and Vanderkitten Athletics

VKInviteEventPoster1

Mmmm... the sweet taste of Cherry Pie!! (c) JasonPerryPhoto

Vanderkitten-Focus has had its winningest ever start to the season, with Kathleen Billington winning both stages and the Overall Classification in the Bahamas while Ruth Winder picked up the Cherry Pie Criterium trophy in Napa, California yesterday.

Cherry Pie is an important California season opening event, with the recent win list including names such as Tina Pic, Brooke Miller, Megan Guarnier and reigning Swiss National Champion Pascale Schneider.

Vanderkitten-Focus fielded a small squad led by captain Jenn X and including Maura Kinsella, Courtney Dimpel, Vanessa Drigo and Ruth Winder. They would be up against the likes of California teams Stevens Pactimo, Metromint, TIBCO II and Red Racing, whilst International Pro’s from Chirio Forno D’Asolo, Primal Map My Ride, Exergy, Optum Health and NOW-Novartis put some spice in the field.

Maura Kinsella HAWT in her new Smith Pivlock V90s and KASK Vertigo (c)JasonPerryPhoto

Lucky for the VK gals, each rider was on their 2012 Izalco Pro 1.0 Team Issue steed- a bike Courtney Van Dizzle says is “SoFast”.

VK-Focus quickly asserted their authority on the 6 lap, twisty and undulating Crit Circuit in Napa Valley, being active in the front early on as rider after rider tried to break clear from the peloton.

The most dangerous California riders early in the year look to be Emily Kachorek and Liza Rachetto from Primal, along with Pascale Schnider (Exergy) and Olivia Dillon (NOW-Novartis). Luckily the VK’s were able to use their skills to patrol the front and negate any dangerous moves, while Captain Jenn X kept throwing bombs down the road for priem points.

With 8 laps to go Ruth launched a huge attack that saw her gain up to 11 seconds on the charging field, as rider after rider attempted to bridge the gap in the challenging crosswinds. With 4 laps to go Heather Nielsen from Touchstone managed to bridge, but soon after that Ruth was re-absorped into the field.

Sensing a need to change tactics, JennX again attempted to go off the front, but her efforts were negated by the field who could sense the win and smell the Cherry Pie.

ONE LAP TO GO and Courtney is DRILLING IT! (c) JasonPerryPhoto

With a lap to go Courtney van Dizzle, an ever faithful domestique, led the field over the finish line and strung out the bunch. Courtney rounded the U-turn in first and charged down the back straight putting pressure on all the teams. under the 1km to go and Maura Kinsella took over with Ruth steady on her wheel. Maura stomped through the final straight into the last chicane, and then dropped off Ruth with 150 metres from the line. With Swiss National Champ Pascal Schnider on her wheel, Ruth had to kick with everything she had and more, and in the drag to the line managed to even distance 2nd and 3rd place on the podium to throw her hands in the air in front of a jubilant crowd, family and friends. What a win!!!

Ruth outkicks her rivals in the sprint. Pic by Jason Perry Photo

Put your hands in the air for VK-Focus!! (c) JasonPerryPhoto

Big Step for lil' Ruth (c) JasonPerryPhoto

The weekend previous our East Coast USA based Kathleen Billington made a trip out of the Connecticut winter to the sunny Bahamas for the Holowesko Partners Tour of the Bahamas. Kathleen showed her prowess in the small but strong field, winning two stages and the Overall general Classification to show that she is ready to build upon her 4th place at the USA Cycling National Championships in 2011. This kitty aint done yet!

Kathleen Billington #1 at Tour of the Bahamas

Look forward to news soon relating to the March1-7 Vanderkitten-Focus team camp in Los Altos and Scotts Valley, California, including a VIP Team Launch Party!

Emily Collins is going to the BONFIRE! Image by OTB Photography

Chipper Kiwi Emily Collins had a breakthrough year in the USA in 2011, after placing highly and winning races in New Zealand, Australia and the Netherlands. The New Zealand under 23 champion forged a solid reputation in her first season with Vanderkitten-Focus, and will return to the US in 2012 with renewed focus and determination. Behind the scenes Emily studies Business at Massey University and entertains her teammates with her witty, tongue in cheek banter. Here are the answers to her Q&A:

Name: Emily Collins

Hobbies: Biking, tennis, beaching, running, fun with friends and fam

Non Cycling action/ adventure/ fitness story or memory: When I was 14 I won the Auckland Junior singles tennis champs. I was pretty stoked. Soon after, I gave up the racket for the bike

First Bike Race: My first Tour was the Junior  Novice Tour of Manuwatu. I had no idea how to race and when it came to the first KOM I was slightly confused why all these crazy little girls were sprinting up a hill! The next stage I was told by my coach to race up all the hills as fast as I could. I did !! The field wasn’t too happy

When did you first hear about Vanderkitten? When racing the NSW Crit series in Aussie. They were the ‘cool american gals’ that everyone loved.

 What does it mean to you to be a part of Vanderkitten?: Being on Vanderkitten is pretty awesome. I love the people, the team, the management and everyone involved. I love that even though when it comes to racing, it’s serious, there’s always an element of fun with VK. We are definitely a focused but relaxed team which is very cool.

It’s also great that Vanderkitten is highly focussed on women’s sport and leadership. I love repping the VK gear and having people comment on our badass kits! Women’s cycling is a huge growth sport and being part of VK is a great way to promote the sport and it’s many benefits!

The Real MKULTR4. For Realz.

Name: Maura Kinsella

Hobbies: You mean besides the strenuous life as a Vanderkitten Covergirl? Well, I actually enjoy many hobbies outside of cycling as I strive to be the most balanced extremist that I can be. My hobbies include but are not limited to: studying for Biology exams, crazy dance parties, playing the guitar, pretending I’m Nicki Minaj, entering rap competitions in East St. Louis and then chickening out at the very last second, raising chickens, hiking, making lists, playing Words with Friends (find me!), grocery shopping, making googly eyes at hot professors, fixing flats (just kidding – that’s not very fun), and making bean juice (AKA coffee).

Non cycling-related action/ adventure/ memory: At the end of the season this past summer, my roommate sent me off on this gorgeous hike in the Santa Cruz Mountains. However, unbeknownst to my friend and I, this hike wound up being a tough 5 hours. I’m usually not one to bonk but we’d anticipated a much shorter hike and, hence, had only brought a total of two water bottles and four AussieBites (found at a CostCo near you) to split between the two of us– i.e. definitely not enough. Nevertheless, we surveyed all that Big Basin has to offer and literally climbed a waterfall, strode through innumerous redwoods, and found ourselves in the middle of the ‘desert’ – all in one hike. By the end, we were so glycogen-deprived that we were pretty slaphappy and seriously thought we were the funniest people alive… Dave Chapelle’s got nothin’ on us. The next day I was so sore that I could barely get out of bed (as I hadn’t walked over a mile in about 9 months). Needless to say, my roommate will never hear the end of it.

First Bike Race: My very first bicycle race was in late February of 2009 for the local junior team, Mesa Cycles. I rode with the Cat 4 women at a race in Columbia, Missouri aptly named “Froze Toes.” I crashed three times… literally. I could not stop from taking myself out. However, much to the peloton’s horror, after each brief love affair with the pavement, I hammered and hoofed my way back to eventually win the race! Not more than 24 hours later, a blog-post was written about me in which the author nicknames me “Kaboom… demonstrat[ing] the resilience of a Sherman tank”. I’d have probably laughed more if I hadn’t been so horrendously mortified at the time (but c’mon… LMFAO now). Moral of the story? There’s hope, gals, that even if you can’t ride a straight line to save your life, that you, too, will one day be able to race in the biggest Pro/1/2 races in the nation.
End Note: Much to my chagrin, I have been persuaded to provide the entire said blog-post for your entertainment purposes only: http://www.teamrev.org/archives/570

When did you first hear about Vanderkitten? I think that I first heard about Vanderkitten at my first race in California, an Early Bird in January 2010 where I saw my current teammy, Starla Teddergreen, decked out in a fresh kit (obvi, VK). I always joke with her now about how intimidated I was of her (since, if you know her, you know she’s the sweetest pixie ever), and how tough and “kick-ass” she looked. I was envious to say the least. Then, I did a little research on the Vanderkitten Focus Cycling team and the brand, and I became secretly (I was on a rival team, after all) obsessed. Now I’m stoked to be Pretty in Kitty.

What does it mean to you to be a part of Vanderkitten? While Vanderkitten-Focus is about winning races and striving to be the strongest team that we can be like every other NRC team, another essential component that Vanderkitten is trying to permeate across the nation that the brand is more than just a cycling team, VK is a way of life. I think that in a world where the sports market is still so dominated by men, women are often an after-thought. At VK, women are the one and only priority, period. Therefore, being apart of this brand reflects not only my athletic abilities and potential but also the way I want to live my life day in and day out. We represent a revolution in opportunity, community, and protecting the fun in sport. Vanderkitten brings out the “e.d.g.y.” of women’s cycling and appeals to women everywhere itching to unfurl their competitive nature. Vanderkitten… it’s who I am. Meow!

Vanderkitten-Focus took advantage this weekend of the sunny Californian winter with a special pre-season Focus Bikes and equipment pre-fitting session at Integrate Performance Fitness in Mountain View, CA.

Vanderkitten-Focus California based riders together for the first time in 2012

After a gruelling morning training ride taking in climbing roads featured in recent editions of the Amgen Tour of California, our US based VK athletes met with Vanderkitten-Focus staff and management to dial in their equipment for the impending season.

Optimizing the efficiency of their German counterparts, Focus Bikes USA ensured delivery of the 2012 fleet of Focus Izalco Pro 1.0 road bikes well ahead of the 2012 season start.

2012 Focus Izalco Pro 1.0

Straight out of the gate, Team Mechanic Karl “with a K” Hanoud dialled in the bikes of Ruth Winder, Maura Kinsella, Starla Teddergreen, Jennifer Reither and 2005 US Champion Katheryn Curi Matthis in a day long event that saw the riders trial several new items from 2012 sponsors.

Helmets from Italian manufacturer KASK were prefit in preparation for the 2012 KASK Vanderkitten range, which will be available in team issue colors to be revealed at the beginning of the NRC season in March.

Items from Chamois Butt’r, JL Velo, Smith Optics, K-Edge and Feedback Sports were available for staff and athletes to trial and give feedback on prior to the season proper.

Importantly, the US based contingent were able to map out an early season structure that will see them prepare at San Dimas Stage Race prior to the 2012 NRC debut at Redlands Bicycle Classic March 22-25.

It was the first time the VK-Focus crew were able to listen directly to Katheryn Curi Matthis lay the framework for the 2012 season, and a special time as one of the most succesful US cyclists in the modern era donned the Vanderkitten-Focus jersey for the first time.

Katheryn Curi Mattis

Official Team Camp and Media Launch is slated for March 1-7 in Scotts Valley, California and the latest Vanderkitten designs and news will be released to the public that weekend.

VK gals will be looking sleek in their KASK Mojito and K-31 helmets in 2012

Jazzy and Emily ready for SummerNats

Jazzy Hurikino is set and primed for todays Mars Cycling Australia National Championships Road Race, while Emily Collins and Kate Chilcott will be racing across the pond at the RaboDirect Bike NZ National Road Race.

All three riders will be contenders for the Under23 Best Young Rider Championship of their nation, and based on current form, each rider will be fighting for a top spot amongst the best riders in their country in the Open/Pro division.

Jazzy has come off a heavy block of training in Queensland, and will contest the 102km Road Race in Bunninyong, Victoria against the likes of the powerful GreenEdge squad, Jayco-AIS and State federation teams. Recent winners of the race include Alexis Rhodes, Carla Ryan and Ruth Corset.

Emily and Kate won a stage each of Tour of the Vineyards in the final week of December, so are favorites for the title in the RaboDirect Bike NZ Road Race of a gruelling 125kms in Christchurch. In fact, little Emily has a nice writeup as a “rider to watch” in the official race guide: http://flipflashpages.uniflip.com/2/37378/79448/pub/

Emily Collins will be aiming for a top spot

Last year Emily was 5th in this race and won the U23 Jersey. In 2012, without 2011 winner Cath Cheatley in the field, and favorite Linda Villumsen being ill, Emily will be gunning for her first Open Championship Win.

Katheryn will join U23 riders Maura Kinsella and Jazzy Hurikino in 2012

2008 Geelong UCI World Cup Winner, 2010 tour De l’Aude Stage Winner and 2005 USA Cycling National Champion Katheryn Curi Mattis is set to join Berkeley, California based Vanderkitten-Focus. One of the most experienced and accomplished US athletes in Women’s Cycling, Katheryn- who ended her professional racing career with Webcor will take on multiple roles at the upstart Vanderkitten-Focus squad.

According to Vanderkitten-Focus director Jono Coulter, Katheryn will act as Co-Director, as well as a training and racing mentor to the squad, which will include 5 athletes under 23 years of age in 2012. As she did at the 2011 Cascade Classic, Katheryn may race the occasional NRC event providing hands on tactical advice to the team whilst bolstering the squads firepower on some of the tougher race days.

“The single most important thing that our young athletes ask for time and time again, is to be guided more closely in races so that they can learn to instinctively react to things in the correct manner. With Katheryn, we have someone who knows the in’s and out’s of the Women’s professional peloton, who has gained the respect of all the top athletes and who still has the fitness to be able to show our riders what to do in a race situation. With her knowledge and strength, and the raw ability of some of our younger riders, we couldn’t be happier with how the squad is looking for 2012″.

Katheryn will continue her role on the Executive Committee with the Webcor/ Alto-Velo Cycling Team where she is a lifetime member after close to a decade riding for the Webcor Women’s Team. Webcor/ Alto Velo is committed to helping spread Bike Safety and Advocacy awareness, also a primary aim of the Vanderkitten Athletics program.

Kate Chilcott at UCI NZCT

New Zealand speedster Kate Chilcott is set to make her debut in the colors of her 2012 Californian based squad, Vanderkitten-Focus at this weekend’s SKODA NSW International GP in Australia. Chilcott first caught the attention of International teams when she represented New Zealand in this February’s UCI NZ Ladies Tour and finished 10th on GC and 2nd to Emily Collins in the U23 classement.
The determined youngster raced the Northern hemisphere summer in the USA with FCS Women’s Cycling Team, where she won a stage of the Fayettevelle Stage race, was 2nd at Tour de Grove Stage 3 and 2nd Under23 at Joe Martin NRC Stage Race. Kate backed up these results with a 12th place finish at the UCI 1.1 Liberty Classic in Philadelphia, 3rd on a stage of Tour of America’s Dairyland and 8th at the NRC Sunny King Criterium.

Kate Chilcott in a TIBCO sandwich on the podium of Tour de Grove in Missouri. Photo courtesy of FCS Women's Cycling

“Kate really impressed me in her first stint in the USA this year. Something about these young Kiwi’s that come over here with a never say die attitude”. says Vanderkitten-Focus Director Jono Coulter “Combine that with some of the natural speed that Kate has, and the fact that she is a fun personality, i think Vanderkitten-Focus has a new treasure of Women’s Cycling. We signed Emily Collins last year after the NSW GP, we figured we had to acquire her teammate BEFORE the GP this year before someone else found her!”.

Kate Chilcott hails from Auckland, NZ and will join fellow Aucklander Emily Collins who had a breakout 2011 with Vanderkitten-Focus this year.

Ruth Winder (R) has been logging early pre season miles in Vanderkitten-Focus colors, ready for a breakout 2012. Teammie Maura Kinsella says "Hellz Yeah!!"

Vanderkitten-FOCUS women’s cycling has a new recruit in 2012. Except it’s not her first time around! At 18 years of age, Ruth Winder is one of the most promising youngsters in the USA. She has won National Junior titles on the road and track, and been a member of the USA Cycling National Champion Team Pursuit squad.

Multiple Stars and Stripes Jerseys for Ruth! Pictured here with Exergy Twenty12 Manager Nicola Cramer Picture by Diana Jensen

Even better, Ruth spent an early part of her young cycling career wearing the original Vanderkitten colours in 2008, whilst she was a 15 year old. Yes, this adorable, yet feisty young rider was topping podium’s wearing the Ophelia Vanderkitten jersey before being recruited by the PROMAN and Peanut Butter & Co TWENTY12 squads for a couple of seasons on the strongest team in the USA. Ruth spent 2011 on the HDR-Lombardi squad and guest rode with Danbury Audi at select NRC events.

RELOADED! Ruth Winder wins the Junior 15-16 at SugarCRM Memorial Day Criterium in 2008. Photo by Kurt Harvey

In 2012, her addition to the Vanderkitten-Focus roster is a symbol of the Vanderkitten Athletics program maturing into a top shelf squad, according to Vanderkitten Founder, Dave Verrecchia. “It means a lot to have someone who we saw come up through the ranks as a youngster, who embodied many of the Vanderkitten qualities of being feminine, yet athletically awesome, a young lady on a mission. For her to go on and then win National Championships, represent the USA and race on arguably the biggest squad in America, and then come back to be one of the leaders on our team- that is a great story for us to be a part of. It’s definitely fulfilling for us just to have Ruth front up in the Vanderkitten jersey. The thing about her though is that we know she will perform at the top level”.

Director Jono Coulter adds “Ruth is the kind of athlete we want to have on Vanderkitten-Focus. She has considerable talent and speed, and an undeniable work ethic. She is the perfect level of contradictaries- she is adorable yet has unstoppable will power. She is a friendly yet focused youngster and will be a great addition to our squad as we target some of the top races in the USA”

Ruth will add some finishing speed to the young Vanderkitten-Focus squad, with her first NRC appointment being Redlands Classic next March. We cannot wait to see how the season will unfold with her in our ranks.

Ruth Winder (L) will join Vanderkitten-Focus alongside Emily Collins (R) in 2012. Photo by www.podiuminsight.com

We love fun!

Starla, Emily and Jazzy Vanderkittens with Bears

Fairy Princess and Vanderkitten-Focus Team Captitana Jenn X is Evel Knievel for a day!!night!

We Love it!!

Photo by Garrett Lau

JAZZY!! Pic by Rob Evans

Sun, Surf and Boogity Fasst HOTDOGG Crit Action!!! Vanderkitten-Focus’ Queenslander Jazzy Hurikino, fresh off her 2nd season racing NRC events in the USA will be the lone Vanderkitten at todays NOOSA International GP.
The feisty 20 year old roleur will line up against a strong contingent of Aussie Pro riders, including Rochelle Gilmore’s Honda Dream Team, Specialized SA and Jazzy’s Qld friends from SWEET AS Bundaberg Sugar.
Stay tuned for Jazzy’s report from the Hottest Crit in Oz, later today!

Starla lets loose with the bubbly!

Pixie Sprinter Starla Teddergreen scored a fine 3rd place behind speedsters Mary Ellen Ash and Nicky Waansgard at yesterday’s Project Sport Downtown Sacramento GP.

Starla was ably supported by teammates Jenn X Reither and Vanessa Drigo in the 60 minute Criterium that used the same roads as the 2010 Tour of California Stage Finish, with Jenn X involved in successive attacks that strung out the field. Vanessa Drigo was also present in a multi lap breakaway with Rikke Preistler that drew out Peanut Butter &Co Twenty 12′s Ali Starnes, before finishing  a fine 6th in the sprint.

Kitties prepped and Ready to Roll!

Vanderkitten-Focus has its last major assignment of the US season tonight in the California Capital, for the Sacramento GP. The first year race, put on by Project Sport is set to bring Downtown Sacramento to life, with thousands of fans expected to watch a fierce battle between Vanderkitten-Focus and Twenty12 Peanut Butter&Co, as well as Red Racing, Team TIBCO and Fremont Bank for line honors. Follow our Twitter for the action!

Jen Dub. Foto by www.JasonPerryPhoto.net

Our San Diego speedster Jen Dub capped off a fantastic week at THF Realty Gateway Cup with a 4th overall after 4 tight and technical stages in and around St Louis, Missouri. In an event dominated by Colavita Forno D’Asolo, the Vanderkitten Focus squad of Weinbrecht, Starla Teddergreen, Vanessa Drigo, Courtney Dimple ad Fairytale Princess Jenn X put on a fantastic display of active and aggressive racing. All members of the team managed a top 15 placing on individual stages, but it was the late season form of Weinbrecht that finished off amongst the nations top sprinters each day, and put the Kitties in the money Meow!

Starla and JDub amped for Gateway Cup!

Jen Dub and Van Dizzle. Pic by www.JasonPerryPhotography.com

Vanderkitten-Focus rockstars Jen Reither, Starla Tedergreen, Vanessa Drigo. Courtney Dimple and Jennifer Winbrecht are painting St Louis red with some fine 2 wheeled smackdown at the THF Realty Gateway Cup in St Louis, MO After 3 stages Jennifer Weinbrecht is sitting pretty in 4th place overall, with tomorrow’s decisive Benton Park stage set to be a cracker!

Remember to follow us on Twitter and Facebook for results and foto coverage of the shenanigans!