Hagens Berman is a Seattle-based law firm with offices nationwide that fights for the rights of consumers, employees, and others against corporate greed and negligence. Outside the courtroom, many members of the firm's legal team enjoy cycling to work and on the weekend. Hagens Berman has sponsored Jamis-Hagens Berman as well as the Hagens Berman U-23 Cycling Program. 

The 2016 season marks significant growth of Hagens Berman’s sponsorship in cycling, focusing on both the U-23 level and women’s racing. “We already had plans in place to support promising young talent through the new Axeon Hagens Berman team in 2016,” said Steve Berman, managing partner of Hagens Berman. “It was time to extend our support to a women’s team as well.”

Supermint Racing, owned by American racer Lindsay Bayer and former Vanderkitten and BMW-Happy Tooth Sports Director Jono Coulter, is focused on a refreshing approach to the concept of sports marketing in cycling. Riders are chosen not only for their athletic accomplishments, but also for their professional backgrounds. “Cycling is a sport that is passionately loved by athletes and fans alike, but it’s also a business,” said Bayer. “We wanted to create an organization that is run with that mindset – riders are treated professionally, promises and contracts are fulfilled, and sponsors attain measurable ROI.”

Supermint’s objective is to facilitate the development of business partnerships versus simply consumer impressions. “With so many major corporations supporting both race events and cycling teams across the US, we saw an opportunity to build relationships among sponsoring companies to bring them business and reward their investment in the sport with positive, measurable outcomes,” explained Bayer.

The team brings together experienced professionals and promising new riders in the women’s peloton. From the 2015 BMW - Happy Tooth team, riders Liza Rachetto, Jessica Uebelhart, Shoshauna Routley, and Bayer have signed with the HB | Supermint Pro Cycling Team. Joining them are Scotti Lechuga from United Healthcare, Allison Linnell, returning to the US after spending 2015 in Italy with Vaiano Fondriest, and Julie Kuliecza, a staple of the North American criterium circuit. Up-and-coming talents Ivy Audrain and Megan Alderete round out the roster.

An additional exciting aspect of the team is the partnership with a sister program in Lucca, Italy, the Conceria Zabri Pro Cycling Team managed by Manuel Fanini. "We are in a unique position of having an open door for our athletes to spend stints in Europe racing top events with proper infrastructure and support whilst under the guidance of our organization," said Coulter. Likewise, young and promising international riders will spend part of the North American summer racing in the USA with the HB | Supermint women. 

Riders will use BH bikes and Clement tires, and wear Vie13 apparel, Vittoria shoes and helmets, Defeet socks, and Oakley glasses. Team camp is slated for mid-February in Southern California with Redlands Bicycle Classic as the first major race objective.

Full Roster:

Megan Alderete USA

Lindsay Bayer USA

Julie Kuliecza USA

Liza Rachetto USA

Allison Linnell USA

Ivy Audrain USA

Scotti Lechuga USA

Jessica Uebelhart SUI

Shoshauna Routley CAN

Daniela Allietta ITA

Martha Basei ITA

Alessandra Lari ITA

Elena Utrobina RUS

Sports Directors:

Jonathan Coulter AUS

Gianfranco Miele ITA

Press Contact: Lindsay Bayer [email protected]