Optum presented by Kelly Benefit Strategies wraps up training camp in California

The American-based team Optum presented by Kelly Benefit Strategies wrapped up its pre-season training camp in Oxnard, California on Sunday. The men’s and women’s teams, which include a series of talented Canadian riders, is set to have a successful 2014 season.

“Training camp went really well,” said national criterium champion, Leah Kirchmann. “There was a large focus on working on the team time trial and we included a full 40-km race simulation that was successful and smooth. The team is set up for a successful season with Kevin Field and Pat McCarty stepping in as our team directors.”

 The men’s team roster includes Canadians Ryan Anderson and Will Routley along with Jesse Anthony, Alex Candelario, Jeremy Durrin, Mike Friedman, Bjorn Selander, Tom Soloday, Tom Zirbel, Scott Zwizanski, Eric Young, Brad Huff and Carter Jones.

The women’s roster includes Canadians Kirchmann, national road and time trial champion Joëlle Numainville, Denise Ramsden and Annie Ewart, along with Courtney Lowe, Lauren Hall, Janel Holcomb, Brianna Walle, Jade Wilcoxson, Maura Kinsella and Amber Pierce.

Kirchmann is focused on helping her team stand on the podium at as many races as possible this season in both North America and Europe. The women’s team was recently invited to compete in the inaugural women’s Tour of Britain in May.

“My main focuses for the season includes the Commonwealth Games road race in Scotland, and a podium result at the world team time trial championships in Spain. I’m also focused on getting Optum on the podium in Europe.”

The men’s and women’s team will focus on UCI sanctioned events in North America and overseas along with USA Cycling’s National Racing Calendar and National Criterium Calendar.