Solvang, CA - The full squad of 12 riders from the Health Net Pro Cycling Team Presented by Maxxis stopped by the Solvang School gym parking lot to meet with nearly 200 young students Wednesday morning. The riders talked with the students about bike safety, teamwork and the upcoming Amgen Tour of California, which visits Solvang on February 22 for the Stage 5 time trial.

"The guys and the students had a great time," team director sportif Mike Tamayo said. "The riders did a few laps around the parking lot to show how a paceline works. They demonstrated how a lead-out works, and Frank (Pipp) and Karl (Menzies) sprinted against each other as well. (John) Murphy even showed the kids how to ride a wheelie."

The riders also talked directly with the kids and signed autographs. Camera crews from the three local TV network affiliates were on hand to cover the assembly and interview riders, as were reporters from the Santa Barbara News Press and the Santa Ynez Valley News/Santa Maria Times.

The team is in Solvang for training camp through Sunday, February 3.