June 3, 2009

Scottsdale, AZ – Velo Vie, a market leader and manufacturer of high-end carbon fiber bikes, has announced that its Amore e vita racing team placement on May 30th was sweetened with the triumphant return of professional cycler, Chad Gerlach. Coming in 6th in the Clarendon Cup, Gerlach let his competitors and teammates know that he was back with a vengeance.

Gerlach is a true success story in the making, returning to the professional peloton after spending more than five years on the streets of Sacramento, California while fighting a crack addiction. Gerlach completed a more than 70-lap solo performance in the race before fighting seven others for the title at the finish line.

With tremendous time advantage up until the last 30 laps, Gerlach was unable to sprint against those who had saved their energy to overcome him, but this consummate professional was happy with 6^th place. Having completed the “intervention” program to achieve and maintain sobriety, this performance speaks volumes about Gerlach’s tenacity.

“The Clarendon Cup on Saturday was about more than just attempting to win a race,” said Homayoon Farsi, Velo Vie CEO. “Chad’s return to competitive cycling after his amazing recovery from addiction is a victory in itself. Given his performance thus far, we expect to see great things and believe a first place win is in the cards for him this season.”

Velo Vie partnered with Life Time Fitness to offer corporate sponsorship to the Amore e vita racing team. Through this joint relationship, Velo Vie and Life Time Fitness are able to emphasize support of the universal needs of all levels of riders, including equipment discounts to Life Time Fitness members and the creation of a nationwide network of cycling clubs.

While focusing on the prize, one of Gerlach’s teammates, Yuriy Metlushenko was unable to realize his vision for success. Known as one of the best sprinters in the world, Metlunshenko crashed during Saturday’s cup. Considered just a minor set-back, Metlunshenko is fine and is scheduled to continue to compete for the remaining 2009 season.

The Clarendon Cup is just one of many races in which the Amore e vita team is scheduled to compete this year. Gerlach and other team members will participate in races throughout North American through the 2009 season with the support of Velo Vie and Life Time Fitness.