08/29/2005 Press Release

TOP PROFESSIONAL CYCLISTS MAKE TIME FOR JUNIORS AT 'PRO' SCREENING

Movie screening benefits the NorCal High School Mountain Bike League

Contact: Matt Fritzinger fritz@berkeley.k12.ca.us Tel: (510) 325-6502

August 29th, 2005 (Berkeley, CA) – This week top professional cyclists are in town preparing for America's toughest bike race, the Barclays Global Investors Grand Prix in San Francisco this coming Sunday. The start list includes Tour de France stars George Hincapie, Ivan Basso, and Freddie Rodriguez. Meanwhile, a handful of pro racers are going out of their way to support local junior bicycle racers at an exclusive screening of the feature film called 'PRO,' which documents the 2004 Wachovia US Pro Championship race and benefits the NorCal High School Mountain Bike League.

Pro athletes Freddie Rodriguez (Davitamin-Lotto), Michael Sayers (HealthNet-Maxxis), and Erik Saunders (Kodak Gallery-Sierra Nevada) will be greeting fans and signing autographs prior to this epic cycling film by Jamie Paolinetti. Amazing cinematography and candid interviews illuminate the psychology, strategy and team work that goes into winning a world class bicycle race.

Having already won the US Pro Championship twice, viewers gain insight to the mindset of 'Fast' Freddie Rodriguez. "I'll hesitate taking the leadership and that's because I'm scare. I'm scared of failing. But sometimes just by allowing yourself to get into that position you have to arise to the occasion." Freddie says about his winning strategy, "It's a gamble, there's a certain risk involved with the way I race the event; at the same time it's the only way I can assure myself of winning."

Prior to the championship race, the contemplative Erik Saunders describes what he's learned about racing. "I think being an experienced rider has a lot to do with knowing how good you're not – more than knowing how good you are." And on his own strategy Saunders says "The entire game plan is closing other peoples doors," and expands upon his 'door-closing' philosophy.

We see Michael Sayers abandon the US Pro Championships after driving a breakaway for 108 miles of the 156-mile race. "We were in a tough spot because we definitely had good numbers up there, and it was a good break, but we had so far to go. . . but I think we did the professional thing; we put the team on the front and we drilled it." For the HealthNet-Maxxis team, Michaels efforts have not been vain.

'PRO' is showing on Saturday, September 3rd, 7:00 PM at Wheeler Hall on the UC Berkeley Campus. Director Jamie Paolinetti will be introducing the film and answering the audiences questions afterwards. Tickets are just $10 and kids 15 and under admitted free. More info at www.norcalmtb.org or call (510) 325-6502. Advanced ticket purchase is recommended. Parking available at Milvia and Bancroft.

The Nor Cal High School Mountain Bike League is a non-profit organization open to students from both public and private schools. The league provides coaching and camaraderie to help students achieve both competitive and non-competitive cross-country mountain biking goals in a safe and enjoyable manner. The next season of events begins with a Coaches Training Conference in December, beginner riding camps in February, and the six-race series commencing in March. For more information and/or to organize an informational meeting in your town visit www.norcalmtb.org or call (510) 325-6502.