2009 marks the second year of the Southeast Women's Cycling (SEW) series, a grassroots effort - for women, by women - which aims to encourage participation in competitive cycling at all levels. The ultimate goal of this series is to grow the sport of women's cycling by providing an environment that is both challenging and fun. As a result, race promoters are able to see that women's racing IS strong in the Southeast, and that women deserve a place at each and every race.

As further proof of their commitment to women's development in the sport, Jamis Bicycles donated a pink cruiser bicycle that will be awarded to one lucky participant in the SEW series at the end of season awards bash, which will be held this September at the Grange Public House, in Decatur, Georgia. Carine Joannou, Jamis Bicycles President, had this to say, "Jamis Bicycles is excited to be involved with to the SEW series, and support the healthy development of women in the sport of cycling."

Participation in the SEW series is open to women who are racing their first race, all the way up to the top professionals in the nation, including Colavita/Sutter Home professional cyclist Tina Pic, also sponsored by Jamis Bicycles. The participation of such a diverse group of decorated athletes in the SEW series can reduce some of the typical "barriers" to the new racer just by having an approachable group of women with valuable knowledge of the sport, and who can help make racing a fun experience for the new cyclist. Thanks to Carine and her contribution to developing the sport of women's cycling, the donation of the Jamis cruiser bicycle to the SEW series is also helping SEW reach its vision: to establish a series that can run for years to come, guaranteeing the presence of women's racing with fields large enough to be profitable for race promoters and sponsors.

 SEW wishes to express its sincere THANKS to Carine and Jamis Bicycles for their recognition of the SEW series in the development of women's cycling!!!

Pictured above: Carine Joannou, Jamis Bicycles President (left) and Tina Pic (right)