Katheryn Curi Mattis, shown here with team riders
Maura Kinsella and Jazzy Hurikino, joins the Vanderkittens.
Katheryn Curi Mattis, the 2005 U.S. national champion, will join Vanderkitten-Focus next season as a co-director, according to a press release from the team. Mattis will work as a training and racing mentor with the team, which includes several U23 riders. She may also pin on a number, and compete alongside the Vanderkitten women. Press release quote!
Jono Coulter, Vanderkitten co-director: "The single most important thing that our young athletes ask for time and time again, is to be guided more closely in races so that they can learn to instinctively react to things in the correct manner. With Katheryn, we have someone who knows the in's and out's of the Women's professional peloton, who has gained the respect of all the top athletes and who still has the fitness to be able to show our riders what to do in a race situation. With her knowledge and strength, and the raw ability of some of our younger riders, we couldn't be happier with how the squad is looking for 2012."
Mattis will also continue her advocacy work with the Webcor-Alto Velo Cycling Team, who seek to raise road safety awareness. You can read Podium Cafe's interview with Katheryn Curi Mattis after the 2010 world championship race.
Photo courtesy Vanderkitten-Focus.