Tuesday, October 20, 2009

Swanguen accepts sanction for doping violation

Colorado Springs, Colo. (October 20, 2009) -- USADA announced today that J.D. Swanguen of San Diego,
CA, an athlete in the sport of cycling, has tested positive for a prohibited substance and accepted a
suspension for his doping offense.

Swanguen, 20, tested positive for Carboxy THC, a metabolite of marijuana and/or hashish in the class of
Cannabinoids, in a sample collected on July 19, 2009 at the USAC MTB National Championships.
Cannabinoids are listed as Specified Substances and are prohibited under the USADA Protocol for Olympic
and Paralympic Movement Testing and the Union Cycliste Internationale, both of which have adopted the
World Anti-Doping Code and the WADA Prohibited List. Cannabinoids are listed as Specified Substances
because they could be susceptible to a credible non-doping explanation, and therefore use of those
substances can result in a reduced sanction.

Swanguen accepted a three-month period of ineligibility, which began on October 9, 2009, the day he
accepted the sanction. As part of his sanction, the period of ineligibility can be suspended and reduced to
time served since he accepted his sanction on October 9, 2009, upon completion of a USADA anti-doping
educational program. As a result of the doping violation, Swanguen has been disqualified from all
competitive results achieved on July 19, 2009, the date of his positive test, through and including the date
the doping education program is completed, including forfeiture of any medals, points, and prizes.

In an effort to aid athletes, as well as all support team members such as parents and coaches, in
understanding the rules applicable to them, USADA provides comprehensive instruction on its website on
the testing process and prohibited substances, how to obtain permission to use a necessary medication,
and the risks and dangers of taking supplements as well as performance-enhancing and recreational drugs.
In addition, the agency manages a drug reference hotline, conducts educational sessions with National
Governing Bodies and their athletes, and proactively distributes a multitude of educational materials, such
as the Guide to Prohibited Substances and Methods, easy-reference wallet cards, periodic newsletters, and
protocol and policy reference documentation.

USADA is responsible for the testing and results management process for athletes in the U.S. Olympic and
Paralympic Movement, and is equally dedicated to preserving the integrity of sport through research initiatives and
educational programs.


─ # ─

CONTACT:
Erin Hannan, Communications & Outreach Director
Phone: (719) 785-2009 (719) 785-2009
E-mail: ehannan@usada.org
NEWS RELEASE

American Junior Sensation Neko Mulally Signs With 23 Degrees


23 Degrees Sports Management announced today that it has finalized an agreement to represent rising American mountain bike talent, Neko Mulally. The 16 year old gravity rider from Reading in Pennsylvania has had an impressive year despite the fact that he's not yet old enough to race World Cups; that will come next season.

Most notably, at Whistler this year during the Crankworx events, and racing Pro Men, Neko finish 4th in the Dual Slalom (behind world class talents Kyle Strait, Brian Lopes and Johannes Fischbach), and then in the Canadian Open Downhill finished 5th, just seconds behind World Cup stars Brendan Fairclough and Steve Smith.

Neko rode as the forerunner for the Canadian rounds of the UCI World Cup, and is now dead keen to hit the circuit next year in his first World Cup season. Currently a member of Specialized Team America, Neko is open to race for a new program in 2010.

"Next year is a really important year for me. I want to build on the experience I gained this year with my current team, and chase down my goals of being one of the top juniors on the Downhill circuit next year and hopefully gain a medal at my first World Championships. It was really cool to see the Mont-Sainte-Anne course this year, and it's one I'm really looking forward to racing in 2010," said Neko this morning from his home in Pennsylvania.

Founder and Owner of 23 Degrees Sports Management, Martin Whiteley, commented on Neko's signing.

"Neko's been well known in the US for a little while now and he's been getting some pretty impressive results for his age. His skill level is right up there and since one of our other clients, Kyle Strait, is on the same team, we got to spend some time with Neko in Whistler. He impresses me greatly. He is a grounded young man who clearly comes from a very supportive family. We haven't signed any new athletes to our management program for more than 2 years as we've been waiting for just the right rider to come along and Neko fits that bill. I'm very excited by what the future holds for this young talent".

Neko's profile page can be found here:
http://www.23degrees-sports.com/athlete.php?athlete_id=21

For further information:

Martin Whiteley
23 Degrees Sports Management
E: captain23@23degrees-sports.com
W: www.23degrees-sports.com

Monday, October 5, 2009

Race for Tara 3!

What- MEGA DH race! Bring at least 5 inches folks...you're gonna need it!! This year GIANT Bicycles has upped the ante and there is a $2,500 GIANT and GIANT for Women Pro Purse.

Where- Northstar Resort at Tahoe - www.Northstarattahoe.com

When- October 10th and 11th weekend.
Practice Saturday and race Sunday.

Who- Everyone who loves to ride for a good cause!!

Why- To help raise money for the Tara Llanes Road to Recovery Fund and the Christopher Reeve Spinal Cord Research Center.

Course Description:
The Mega DH course is a one of a kind course for a one of a kind event!! A Classic!! This year Northstar has put together an unreal downhill course that will challenge both your skill and your fitness. The course will be approximately 4 miles long with an 1800 foot descent from 8600ft at the summit to 6800ft at mid mountain. I expect to see times ranging from just under ten minutes to fifteen plus minutes depending on ability. As far as course descriptions are concerned: All classes will be on a somewhat rocky descent of a fireroad (east ridge) that will connect to the tahoe trail which is a smooth winding descent to the top of the vista chair. The Sticks and Stones portion of the course is a mix of rocky/ technical singletrack with some drops that have slower ride arounds and some more serious rock gardens that the sport riders will avoid by going over to speed control. The Twigs and berries and speed control trails are more of the wide open high speed singletrack with some nice floating jumps across ski trails and will descend down Frolick (a fireroad) back to lower sticks and stones. All of the courses will converge at the btm of lower pho dogg to finish at the stadium jump. The route the 4-wheel bikes will be taking might be a little longe in mileage and will contain more fireroad sections to avoid sticks and stones.

Pro/Semi-Pro/Expert course: East Ridge, Tahoe Trail, Sticks and Stones, Daytona Berms, and Stadium Jump.

Sport/Beginner: East Ridge, Tahoe Trail, Sticks and Stones, Twigs and Berries, Speed Control, Frolich, Lower Sticks and Stones, Daytona Berms, and Stadium Jump.

4 Wheel Route: East Ridge, Tahoe Trail, Sticks and Stones, Snake, Tryumph, Speed Control, Frolich, Lower Sticks and Stones, Daytona Berms, and Stadium Jump.

There is race day practice, but only from 10:00am to 11:00am since racing starts at 11:00am. If you do take the gondola up the race day morning you will only be able to practice the mid to lower sections unless you hike to the top since there will not be shuttles running the top section at that time.

Shuttles will be taking riders to the top all day Saturday for practice and Sunday for racing.


BREAKING NEWS: NWD10 Tahoe premiere to be shown at Race for Tara 3 event in Northstar!!

The screening will be shown at 6:30 pm at TC's Pub in the village Saturday, October 10th. Registered racers show your number plate at the door and your cover is $5. If you are not registered to race there will be $10 donation to get in. 100% of the proceeds will go to the Tara Llanes Road to Recovery Fund and the Christopher Reeve Foundation. New World Disorder had their premiere just last week in Interbike in Las Vegas and now we're bringing it to the Race for Tara. So come to the village Saturday, October 10th to sit back, relax and watch one of the most amazing mountain bike videos ever!


Ride like Rando: Team Giant World Cup Pro downhiller Jared Rando and Team GiantNerd World Cup downhiller Duncan Riffle will be holding 2 DH clinics on Saturday, October 10th. The first will be a Beg/Int clinic from 10:30am-12:00pm and the second is a Int/Adv clinic from 1:30pm-3:00pm. You can get in on the action for only $40!! More details at the www.racefortara.com website. All proceeds go towards the Tara Llanes Road to Recovery Fund and the Christopher Reeve Foundations.

Wrench like a Pro : Team Giant World Cup Mechanic Frank Trotter will be putting on a mechanics clinic for everyone that wants to talk with a true expert in suspension and bike set up. The clinic will begin at 4:00pm at the Giant Team Trailer and the cost is only $5 with tips always welcome. All proceeds go towards the Tara Llanes Road to Recovery Fund and the Christopher Reeve Foundations.

Our list of sponsors is ever growing. Here are a list of the companies that are backing the Race for Tara 3:

TITLE SPONSORS : Northstar Resort, Giant, Giant for Women, Fox Clothing, The Bike Trip Santa Cruz, Danville Bike, CCN (Cycle Component Network)

TITLE SPONSOR of the RAFFLE : Tomac Bikes

BEER GARDEN SPONSOR : Nutcase Helmets

VENDOR / PRODUCT SPONSORS : Leatt Brace, Easton/Bell, Park Tool, Voler, Michelin, Fox Shox, Kryptonite, Camelback, Perfect Pushup, Casa Orozco, Jamis Bikes, Dakine, Troy Lee, Shimano, Thule, SixSixOne, DH Productions, Dahon, Electra Bikes, Crank Brothers, Freeride Films, Light & Motion, Scott USA, Garmin, X-Fusion, Pearl Izumi, LUNA, Chris King, Mavic, Santa Cruz Bicycles, Specialized Bicycles, Cyclepath MTB, and Tag Wheels.

MEDIA : Decline, Mountain Bike, MTB Action, and Pinnedmtb.com

We want to THANK all sponsors and for believing in this event and we will continue to see it grow and help raise money for those with SCI (Spinal Cord Injury).

We've also got some amazing riders showing up to race the Mega DH. Here are just a few Pro riders that will be there to try and win part of the Giant Bicycles $2,500 Pro Purse. Kirt Voreis, Shaun Palmer, Jared Rando, Bryn Atkinson, Duncan Riffle, Adam Craig, Mark Weir, Lisa Myklak, Marla Streb, Cheri Elliot, and Joanna Peterson.

We'll see you at the Northstar resort in Tahoe for the 3rd Annual Race for Tara on October 10-11th weekend. Get ready for a Mega DH race that will definitely challenge your skills and your endurance!!


--

www.racefortara.com


How- Click Right Here to Register

Why- To help raise money for the Tara Llanes Road to Recovery Fund and the Christopher Reeve Spinal Cord Research Center.

Course Description:
The Mega DH course is a one of a kind course for a one of a kind event!! A Classic!! This year Northstar has put together an unreal downhill course that will challenge both your skill and your fitness. The course will be approximately 4 miles long with an 1800 foot descent from 8600ft at the summit to 6800ft at mid mountain. I expect to see times ranging from just under ten minutes to fifteen plus minutes depending on ability. As far as course descriptions are concerned: All classes will be on a somewhat rocky descent of a fireroad (east ridge) that will connect to the tahoe trail which is a smooth winding descent to the top of the vista chair. The Sticks and Stones portion of the course is a mix of rocky/ technical singletrack with some drops that have slower ride arounds and some more serious rock gardens that the sport riders will avoid by going over to speed control. The Twigs and berries and speed control trails are more of the wide open high speed singletrack with some nice floating jumps across ski trails and will descend down Frolick (a fireroad) back to lower sticks and stones. All of the courses will converge at the btm of lower pho dogg to finish at the stadium jump. The route the 4-wheel bikes will be taking might be a little longe in mileage and will contain more fireroad sections to avoid sticks and stones.

Pro/Semi-Pro/Expert course: East Ridge, Tahoe Trail, Sticks and Stones, Daytona Berms, and Stadium Jump.

Sport/Beginner: East Ridge, Tahoe Trail, Sticks and Stones, Twigs and Berries, Speed Control, Frolich, Lower Sticks and Stones, Daytona Berms, and Stadium Jump.

4 Wheel Route: East Ridge, Tahoe Trail, Sticks and Stones, Snake, Tryumph, Speed Control, Frolich, Lower Sticks and Stones, Daytona Berms, and Stadium Jump.

There is race day practice, but only from 10:00am to 11:00am since racing starts at 11:00am. If you do take the gondola up the race day morning you will only be able to practice the mid to lower sections unless you hike to the top since there will not be shuttles running the top section at that time.

Shuttles will be taking riders to the top all day Saturday for practice and Sunday for racing.