June 23, 2009

Scottsdale, AZ – Velo Vie, a leading manufacturer of high-end carbon fiber bikes, has announced that one of its sponsored triathletes, Felipe Bastos, has claimed the title win in the Alabama State Championship Race: Alabama State Games. This achievement marked the 34th career win for Bastos, who was defending his title at the Alabama State Games.

While riding the Velo Vie Veloce 100 bike, Bastos battled brutally hot temperatures with a heat index that reached more than 102 degrees Fahrenheit. While these conditions made for a challenging race, Bastos favored the hot conditions over the monsoon-like environment he encountered at the Buster Britton Triathlon, a race in which he finished seventh place.

“After exiting the water in 4th place a few seconds behind the lead group of 3, I had a fast first transition and by the half mile mark on the bike I had the lead,” said Bastos. “I am fairly familiar with the 21k rolling bike course, and played it to my advantage to start the bike with a 2 1/2 minute lead.”

“Onto the run I started off fast but quickly realized the heat would take the best out of my legs,” continued Bastos. “I was able to play around with my lead, and even slightly increase it as everyone else also succumbed to the scorching heat. The Veloce 100 behaved perfectly throughout the course, staying under me at all the fast turns I took some chances on.”

The Alabama State Games race is held inside Oak Mountain State Park, where Bastos often trains. This tough course offers many steady incline hills, long and twisty downward hills, and several false flats. It is considered to be suited for strong cyclists. With his latest win on this course, Bastos is now a two time State Games Gold Medalist.

Velo Vie takes an active participation in the cycling industry, sponsoring competitive riders and following their training and racing schedules. The company has created an online community of cycling enthusiasts and lends support to riders of all levels as they incorporate this activity into a healthy lifestyle.

“This latest win is not only a great step forward for the competitive side of Velo Vie sponsorship, it is also a significant reward for Bastos and his dedication to cycling,” said Velo Vie CEO, Homayoon Farsi. “We take a personal and active interest in the competitors that we sponsor and it is exciting to watch Felipe train and compete. We are excited to see what he plans to achieve next.”