Last week marked the official kickoff of Yahoo!’s two-year sponsorship of the new Yahoo! Cycling Team.  And this past weekend, rider Dirk Copeland defeated 50+ other cyclists to win first place in the Cherry Pie Criterium.  What a fast start for the team!

The Yahoo! Cycling Team was formed by Ikeman Cycling, Inc. who’s mission is to promote young cycling talent in the U.S. and to grow the sport of cycling worldwide.  The team is comprised of a mix of young talent and seasoned cycling veterans.  Based in Northern California, the team plans to race the majority of its season on the West Coast as well as a portion of the National Racing Calendar.  Dependent upon its success in the U.S. circuit in 2010, the team plans to move on to Continental Status in 2011.

“We’re excited to launch this team in a community that is as enthusiastic about cycling as we are,” says Kevin Klein, Ikeman Cycling Owner and Yahoo! Cycling Team General Manager. “Both our young riders and experienced cyclists are eager to get our season under way and establish ourselves as a dominant elite team. “

For more information about the team and the 2010 racing schedule go to the Yahoo! Cycling Team Website (www.cyclingteam.yahoo.com) or follow the team on Facebook [facebook.com/YCyclingTeam] and Twitter [twitter.com/YCyclingTeam]