Speed is of the essence as Team TIBCO/ To the Top heads to Charlotte Saturday

August 07, 2010

Pescadero, California – Last year, Team TIBCO/To the Top put a stranglehold on the Presbyterian Hospital Invitational in Charlotte, NC. The team kept a short leash on any attacks, and then in the final three laps, took complete control of the front of the race on the way to delivering Brooke Miller to the win.

Like last year, Miller comes to Charlotte with a strong supporting cast, led by current U.S. U23 Criterium Champion Samantha Schneider, who comes into the race after some strong results flying solo at the Superweek races near her Wisconsin home base in July.

The task of controlling the race will be spread across the remaining five riders on the squad: Joanne Kiesanowski, Emma Mackie, Megan Guarnier and Amanda and Meredith Miller. All five of those riders are no strangers to instigating and covering breaks, too, but if the race comes down to a sprint, Miller will likely have the full squad lined up for her.

“We have to see how the race plays out,” said team directeur sportif Emma Rickards. “Last year, we were able to keep a handle on things and set it up for Brooke. There are quite a few strong teams here again this year, so controlling the race will definitely present a challenge. Regardless, we know it will be a fast race.”

The prime opposition will come from the Colavita-Baci team, which brings a deep, eight-rider squad led by sprinter Theresa Cliff-Ryan. Peanut Butter & Co. will be led by the duo of Katharine Carroll and Lauren Tamayo, who were both instrumental in Miller’s win last year as part of Team TIBCO. Carroll won the 2008 edition. Vera Bradley and Kenda both bring strong squads to the race, as well.

Team TIBCO/To the Top for the Presbyterian Hospital Invitational, August 7, 2010:
Megan Guarnier, USA
Joanne Kiesanowski, USA
Emma Mackie, AUS
Amanda Miller, USA
Brooke Miller, USA
Meredith Miller, USA
Samantha Schneider, USA