(Photo by Travis Miller/KS Energy Services-Team Wisconsin) Dave Eckel, KS Energy Services-Team Wisconsin president, addresses some veteran and new members of the cycling team Jan. 8, at the Crowne Plaza hotel in Wauwatosa.
WAUWATOSA — Looking to revive the tradition and success of Team Wisconsin cycling squads of years past, the group got a boost of energy from a new source at the team’s 2011 launch meeting Saturday, Jan. 8.
About 24 team members were formally introduced to Dennis Klumb Jr., president and chief executive officer of KS Energy Services, which was announced as the team’s title sponsor for 2011 in December. Klumb will also ride for the team in 2011.
The stability Klumb’s commitment brings is not the only addition to the team, it also brings a new name — KS Energy Services-Team Wisconsin.
KS is a family owned company out of New Berlin, WI providing underground construction and technical services to the natural gas, electric and telecommunication industries throughout the country.
Dave Eckel, team president, told the group of veterans and newcomers at the team’s yearly preseason meeting the team would have a measure of confidence heading into the next few years based on KS Energy Services’ three-year commitment to back the squad.
The team met at the Crowne Plaza hotel, 10499 Innovation Drive, also to honor Jason Kayzar, of MC2, the team’s 2010 title sponsor. The team presented him with a 2010 Team Wisconsin framed cycling jersey. MC2 will remain a sponsor for 2011, and Kayzar will ride for the team.
(Photo by Travis Miller/KS Energy Services-Team Wisconsin) Dave Eckel, KS Energy Services-Team Wisconsin president, Jan. 8, congratulates Jayson Kayzar, of MC2, the team's 2010 title sponsor for his support of the team at the Crowne Plaza hotel in Wauwatosa.
The team members who attended the meeting discussed the current status of the team’s budget in addition to examining projections for the new season’s expenses and income. After a brief pause for dinner, the team dove into discussion on the 2011 kit design.
The team chose to honor the memory and legacy of team founder Jeff Littman, who died tragically after being struck by a vehicle on a training ride in October, by bringing back a predominantly red color scheme to the jersey. The color was chosen in part to pay homage to the “The Red Team” Littman founded.
The team also briefly discussed goals for the upcoming season, which include the category 3 squad looking for overall success at the Tour of America’s Dairyland in June, as well as strong showings by the entire team during Superweek and at ABR, WORS and WCA races throughout the season.