Chicago, IL – June 25, 2008 - American triathlete and second-place 2006 Ford Ironman world championship finisher Desiree Ficker will ride SRAM RED for 2008. Desiree’s blue Guru Crono, with daisy accent graphics, will be equipped with SRAM’s sub-2000 gram groupset matched to SRAM’s carbon 900 TT shift levers and carbon 900 TT brake levers (and weighs 200 grams lighter than her previous componentry).

In her first event on SRAM RED, the Boise 70.3 (where she placed 2nd), Ficker noted the componentry rode, “Smooth like butter. I liked the shifters, they’re easy on your fingers, and the shifts happen instantly. No rickety quality, they’re solid. It’s great when equipment does exactly what it should so I can focus on my race.”

The upbeat Austin, TX, resident takes a positive attitude towards every day, specifically training, stating “if you can keep your mind positive, the pain is manageable.”

Ficker started her season with a win at the South Africa 70.3 Ironman in January, and is expected to be a top contender at this year’s Ironman World Championships in Kona, HI, where she placed 2nd in 2006 (to fellow SRAM RED rider Michellie Jones). Desiree will next race the Ford Ironman USA Lake Placid, July 20, 2008.

“Triathletes have been underserved with drivetrain choices for years, we are glad to offer riders like Desiree lightweight and technologically superior options,” added David Zimberoff, SRAM’s Global Marketing Director.

You can stay updated by visiting Desiree’s website: www.desireeficker.com

For information on all of SRAM’s componentry and current racing news: www.sram.com

For additional questions or contact: mzellmann@sram.com p: 312.664.8800