UCI recently released their list of registered 2013 mountain bike teams and we used that information to update our list of teams. Are you working with a mountain bike team this season? If so, let us know using the form at the bottom of this page.

We could use some help with our road and bmx teams as well.

The list can be found here: Team Mechanics.

USA Cycling is also making team announcements today providing the list of the eight US Continental and three Women’s teams.

Continuing Continental teams are:

Bissell Cycling
SmartStop presented by Mountain Khakis
Team Optum presented by Kelly Benefits Strategies
5-Hour Energy
Bontrager Cycling Team
Hincapie Sportswear Development Team
Jamis Hagens Berman
Jelly Belly presented by Kenda

The three women’s teams are:

Specialized-Lulumon
Optum presented by Kelly Benefit Strategies
Team TIBCO-To the Top

For more detailed information see  USA Cycling.

As a reminder, please send us your team employment updates. There are fewer professional teams and we would like to keep track of you.

Earlier today the UCI released the final* list of 2013 Professional Continental teams, the second division in ranking below the Pro Tour teams. Included are two North American teams:

Team Novo Nordisk (previously Team Type 1)
United HealthCare Professional Cycling Team

That’s one less team due to the loss of Spidertech.

For the full list, see Union Cycliste Internationale.

Mechanics: As a reminder, please let us know of any changes in your team employment based on these updates.

* almost refers to the fact that there are still three teams who potentially may appear in this division

It’s been a busy start to the week with notice of a shorter offseason for those who ride in the dirt and announcements of who is in or out of the Pro Tour.

First off, the UCI released their final list of Pro Tour teams earlier today. According to the list on their website Katusha is out, Argos-Shimano are in and questions regarding both SaxoBank and RadioShackNissan are answered.

The UCI also issued a statement that they have been talking to the owner of Omega Pharma-QuickStep regarding the development of new professional road racing calendar. Their statement can be seen here and stay tuned for more information to come this spring.

Not to be left out of the news, USA Cycling announced 2013 professional mountain bike schedule. They’ve announced a start date of March 2nd in Texas followed by three events in California …

Where mechanics and items related to mechanics appeared on the web during March.

British Triathlon updates their rulebook: http://www.britishtriathlon.org/news/new-british-triathlon-rule-book-now-published_1969

Ralf Medloff’s transition from ballroom dancer to head mechanic for the Jelly Belly pro cycling team:

http://www.marinij.com/sports/ci_20152643/cycling-marin-from-ballroom-bike-corte-maderas-medloff

Design review of Bike Repair Tool Kits

http://www.core77.com/blog/tools/bike_repair_tools_and_kits_21902.asp?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+core77%2Fblog+%28Core77.com%27s+design+blog%29

Some pretty cool photos and video of the Radio Shack Nissan Trek team preparing for early season races.. Includes shots inside their team truck.

http://www.bdc-forum.it/dietro-le-quinte-il-team-radioshack-nissan-trek-alla-tirreno-adriatico/

Review of UCI’supdated regulations on bikes, including sizing and drop out. (let us know if you need a copy, the UCI has been asking sites to pull their copies from the web)

http://inrng.com/2012/03/uci-rules-regulation-bikes-clothing/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+inrng%2Finrng0+%28The+Inner+Ring%29

BikeRadar’s suggestions for best bicycle tool kits

http://www.bikeradar.com/gear/article/best-tool-kits-for-cyclists-33539/?CPN=RSS&SOURCE=BRGENHOME

According to the folks in the UK, the UCI has stated they will begin regular enforcement of the saddle tilt rule as well as the new bottle size and placement rule starting March 1st. Issues related to saddle tilt popped up this year with random enforcement of a rarely discussed rule. The bottle issue is new and sounds like an attempt to keep riders using bottles for hydration and not for aerodynamic enhancement.

Read more at BikeBiz: UCI to enforce saddle tilt rule in 2012

And more at velonation.com