WILIER TRIESTINA USA ANNOUNCES CENTO1 FOR SHIMANO Di2
World Champ Bike Integrates Award-Winning Electronic Group

Atlanta, GA (April 22, 2009) – Wilier Triestina USA has announced the special order availability of its reigning World Road Champion model, the Cento1, in a version modified specifically for use with Shimano’s acclaimed electronic drivetrain, Dura-Ace Di2. The Cento1 Di2 frameset boasts the same superlight 46Ton carbon monocoque construction and performance features, while enhancements have been implemented in the form of internal routing for wiring that connects the Di2 battery with its electronic shifters and derailleurs.

“While performance was the key pursuit in the development and use of the Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 electrically actuated shifting system, the side benefit is the freedom and creativity afforded frame makers with respect to cable routing,” explained Devin Walton, Director of Media Relations for Shimano North America. “Wilier’s new frame design takes advantage of that benefit and with the special accommodations for the battery pack creates historically sought-after integration of frame and controls without any impact on shifting response.”

Angelo Cilli, Wilier Triestina USA co-owner and founder, added: “We’re excited about the promising new age being ushered in by Shimano’s electronic groupsets for road and time trial bikes. In the past, attempts were made by other manufacturers to offer electronic shifting, but after extensive in-house testing we have become believers that this technology by Shimano has been refined to the point of being truly feasible and relevant. Campagnolo is promising release of its own electronic drivetrain in the near future, so it seems that the technology may finally be here to stay,” concluded Cilli.

WILIER TRIESTINA IZOARD AWARDED GEAR OF THE YEAR BY OUTSIDE

All-Carbon Izoard Takes Top Honors As Outside's 2009 Gear of the Year

Atlanta, GA (April 7, 2009) – Wilier Triestina USA today announced The Gear of the Year title its 2009 all-carbon monocoque Izoard road bike was awarded by industry leading publication Outside Magazine. The fourth model in the Wilier Triestina lineup following the Cento1 and Le Roi road bikes and the Cento Crono time trial bike, all ridden by Pro Tour team Lampre and reigning World Champion Alessandro Ballan, the Izoard proved to be the most bike for the money based on Outside road test and review scores.

Angelo Cilli, Wilier Triestina USA co-owner and founder, was delighted. “We are very excited about this award and see it as confirmation of our materials and design innovations,” explained Cilli. “We take the ride and graphical design quality of every Wilier bike very seriously, so it’s often hard to tell which of our models is intended to be sold in the high or mid-range categories. We believe that’s what sets our bicycles apart.”

Outside Magazine senior editor John Bradley reported that the Izoard provided surprising ride quality at its price point: “We also tested and reviewed Wilier’s higher end Cento1, scoring it highly. The thing that set apart the Izoard was its high level of performance and comfort for the money.”

The Wilier Triestina Izoard comes standard with the Shimano Ultegra SL drivetrain groupset, Mavic Ksyrium Equipe wheelset and Ritchey Pro handlebar, stem and seatpost. The Izoard and all other Outside Gear of the Year award winners will be featured in the Outside Buyer’s Guide, available on newsstands April 29.

About Wilier Triestina USA
Wilier Triestina USA is a partnership between Wilier Triestina of Rossano Veneto, Italy and US-based father and son team Angelo and Gianmarco Cilli, who began distributing the brand in 1999. Like a true Italian company, “Wilier USA” is a family business. Over the past nine years, the Cillis have sought out and established relationships with choice bicycle retail stores across North America, which have become authorized Wilier dealers. For more information and to find a dealer near you, please visit www.wilier-usa.com .

WILIER TRIESTINA ANNOUNCES SPONSORSHIP OF TRIATHLETE KATE MAJOR
Ironman Champ & 3-Time Kona Podium Finisher To Ride Wilier Cento Crono

Atlanta, GA (April 6, 2009) – Wilier Triestina USA officially announced its sponsorship of Ironman Champion and three-time Ford IM World Championship podium finisher Kate Major following IM 70.3 New Orleans on Sunday. It was there that Major competed for the first time atop Wilier’s Cento Crono time trial bike just days after taking possession of it, finishing eighth. She had met with the bike’s designer, acclaimed aerodynamics and biomechanics expert John Cobb, last week in San Diego to be positioned on her new ride. The Cento Crono is one of three bikes Wilier Triestina supplies to European professional cycling team, Lampre, whose riders took both the World Road Championship title and silver medal last fall.

Sponsoring athletes who will represent Wilier on the world stage of professional triathlon is something Wilier’s North American distributor takes very seriously. “As with our decision some months ago to sponsor Ironman Champion Chris McDonald [1st at Superfrog and 13th at New Orleans],” explained Wilier Triestina USA co-owner Angelo Cilli, “we not only want strong athletes representing our brand, but likeable individuals with unquestionable character. I know I say this often and it’s true: our brand is dear to us. So sponsoring an athlete like Kate Major is ideal; a champion who appreciates the design sophistication of the Crono and can showcase what it’s capable of.”

John Cobb sets up Kate Major on her new Cento Crono at B&L Bike and Sports in San Diego. Photo by Jay Prasuhn.

The Cento Crono represents a cutting edge design by one of the industry’s most respected authorities. John Cobb has worked with numerous world-class cyclists, including Lance Armstrong, as well as many of professional triathlon’s top competitors. Although one of the most distinctive aero bikes in the industry, Cobb emphasized that the look and tubing of the Cento Crono are strictly about efficiency and speed: “The Crono is the first time trial bike based solidly on the principles of wave form dynamics to diminish turbulence that can slow down bodies of mass as they move through air. Shaping a few tubes like fairings isn’t enough,” he explained. “The Crono features splitters and tube shapes designed to direct airflow efficiently through and around the bike, its wheels and – just as importantly – the rider’s spinning legs.”

Another distinguishing characteristic of the Cento Crono is how well it handles; evidence of the manufacturer’s 103-year road bike heritage. “It is extremely comfortable to ride, flies on rolling terrain, and handles well on descents, tight corners and climbs,” explained Major. “With the positioning done by John Cobb, it’s a perfect fit. I now need to step up and meet the standard of the Crono...nothing like a new machine to get the competitiveness flowing hard and fast! There has been a lot of time, research and engineering put into this bike by John Cobb and Wilier to address the needs of time trialists, triathletes or any fan of truly innovative bicycles.”

About Wilier Triestina USA
Wilier Triestina USA is a partnership between Wilier Triestina of Rossano Veneto, Italy and US-based father and son team Angelo and Gianmarco Cilli, who began distributing the brand in 1999. Like a true Italian company, “Wilier USA” is a family business. Over the past nine years, the Cillis have sought out and established relationships with choice bicycle retail stores across North America, which have become authorized Wilier dealers. For more information and to request a catalog, please visit http://www.wilier-usa.com/ . To learn more about pro triathlete Kate Major go to http://www.majorkate.com/ .