Olympian Jame Carney to Debut Dual Function Track Frame for 2006

DOVER, N.J. (August 30, 2005) Two-time Olympic track racer, Jame Carney, cites among his many successes: competing in the 1992 and 2000 Olympics, winning a couple champion’s jerseys, earning berths on several world championship teams, and mentoring the next generation of U.S. track racers. This time the influential and inventive Carney lends his experience as an elite racer to help design the new Drag Strip Courage track racing bike by Van Dessel Cycles.

“I wanted to design a bike that would take care of the majority of racers,” said Carney. “There’s only a certain range of stems out there and you’ve got to get the perfect fit. The dual function aspect of the Van Dessel can be set up to fit a wide variety of racers.”

Designed to be used both as a mass start and endurance bike, the Drag Strip Courage’s main intended use is as a track racing bike. To set up the Drag Strip Courage for mass start events, one would install a 90-degree/zero rise stem with drop bars. To switch it up for endurance and to accommodate aerobars, a 73-degree/-17 stem becomes a perfect fit. The frame’s triple butted 7005 aluminum aero tubing with wheel cutout features a Dedacciai aero downtube. Fork is full carbon monocoque aero fork. Dropouts have stainless steel dropout plates. A Cane Creek IS2 integrated 1-1/8" headset completes the package. The rear brake mount hole, which has no negative effects when racing on the track, offers a bit of versatility for fixed road riding. The Drag Strip Courage comes in sizes 52, 52.5, 55, 57.5,and 60.  All sizes have compact/sloping geometry to allow for a greater range of adjustments and positioning.

The Drag Strip Courage will be ready to ship by January

In response to requests from area retailers for a modestly priced track racing frame, Van Dessel Cycles developed the Drag Strip Courage with its local track, the Lehigh Valley Velodrome, in mind.

“We are making a track frame mainly because of our proximity to the T-town velodrome,” said Van Dessel’s Edwin Bull. “Local shops as well as those in other velodrome regions have asked for an elite/pro level track racing frame that won't break the bank and is very versatile as far as use and fit.”

Suggested retail price for the Drag Strip Courage will be $799 for frame, fork, and headset.

The Drag Strip Courage will be on display at Interbike with a scheduled product release for January 2006.

Ride inspired since 2000, Van Dessel Cycles is dedicated to maximizing performance, function, and dependability in every Van Dessel bike.Van Dessel’s 2006 line of bikes can be viewed at www.vandesselsports.com and features the carbon Solstice road bike, the ultra-light aerodynamic TT/Tri Project WR, the full-suspension Buzz Bomb FS and the single-speed Country Road Bob. Determined to build up the sport from its grassroots, Van Dessel believes in promoting cycling through talented, results-oriented athletes. Look for Van Dessel Cycles beneath teams like Louis Garneau, Colavita New England, UC Davis and the Iraq Junior National Team. To see Van Dessel bikes up close, visit them at Interbike’s OutDoor Demo, at the Interbike Expo, booth #604, or find a dealer at www.vandesselsports.com.