MetroMint Announces Title Sponsorship of Cycling Team

SAN FRANCISCO, CA – Metromint (www.metromint.com), the all-natural mintwater company, is proud to announce its title sponsorship of the Metromint Cycling Team, a San Francisco based, co-ed amateur racing team.

“Sponsoring a cycling team is a natural partnership for Metromint. The members of the team are an exceptional group of fitness-minded people, and our product fits with their values and philosophies,” said Soma Beverage Company President, Scott Lowe.

The men and women of Metromint Cycling, also referred to as “The Blue Dots” by spectators and competitors due to the blue dots on the cycling jerseys, (Metromint’s unique bottle has 70 blue dots on its peppermint label), have already competed in 36 races so far this season and have accomplished over 30 top 10 finishes. The team is comprised of 42% women and 58% men and has a variety of Category 1 to Category 5 racers. Category 1 is the highest amateur-racing category, with competitors having national and international caliber racing experience. According to Bruce Johnson, Metromint Cycling team member and President: “Our team competes and trains rigorously, but really it’s more about promoting our sport and a healthy lifestyle, teamwork, and of course having fun. Metromint’s corporate philosophy and commitment to health are in synch with our team’s values. When they presented the sponsorship opportunity we knew it was right for us.”

According to a recent article in Bicycling Magazine May 2005: “A Whole New You,” (http://bicycling.com/article/0,3253,s1-11681,00.html?category_id=363) cycling enthusiasts can place a drop of mint oil on their glove, and breath it in while cycling to help combat fatigue. Mint also contains natural properties that aid digestion, relieve inflammation in the nasal passages, and reduce stress.

The Metromint cycling team has an extensive race schedule expanding throughout California and the rest of the country. The racing season began in January and extends through September. For a complete list of races and events or to learn more about Metromint Cycling – “The Blue Dots” visit www.metromintcycling.com.

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About Metromint Cycling “The Blue Dots”
Metromint Cycling a.k.a. “The Blue Dots” is an amateur bicycle racing team comprised of men and women of all ages and backgrounds and has existed under various sponsorship for the past ten years. Members of the team train every day of the week all over the San Francisco Bay Area, and participate en masse for races that are a priority to the members and to Metromint.” Annually, the Metromint Cycling team co-produces the Giro de San Francisco on Labor Day-an historical race in the city of San Francisco that draws talent from across the country and generates significant local publicity. Each member of the team shares not only a competitive spirit, but also a passion for cycling and a commitment to promote the sport through volunteer efforts and community involvement. The team’s mission is to support the road bicycle racing activities of its men and women members while encouraging upward development of its riders to create a competitive elite racing team that replenishes as it develops new talent. The team also partners with local organizations such as Bay Area Women’s Cycling, the San Francisco Bicycle Coalition and the Oakland High School Composite Mountain Bike Team.

Metromint Cycling’s commitment to the development of men and women racers, and the accompanying emphasis on the positive, healthy lifestyles of its racers, is at the core of Metromint’s team’s philosophy. For more information about Metromint Cycling visit www.metromintcycling.com.

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About Metromint
Metromint is mintwater, pure and simple. Not only does it provide rapid refreshment and an instant cooling sensation, it also provides several natural benefits: mint calms the nerves, soothes and revives the body, stimulates the brain, and energizes the senses. The natural menthol in Metromint also freshens the breath, and can reduce inflammation in the nasal passages and can clear congestion related to colds and allergies.

Metromint is the brainchild of Rio Miura and Scott Lowe. Born in Japan, with a background in product and fashion design, Miura conceived the recipe for Metromint and designed the packaging. Lowe, a Stanford graduate with a degree in International Relations, is responsible for product development and oversees operations. Together they run Soma Beverage Company, LLC., a small group dedicated to making great-tasting beverages that combines the purest ingredients with innovative packaging and extraordinary taste.

Metromint has single-handedly created a new beverage category called mintwater, which c¬ombines the properties of functional and flavored water. Metromint is also quickly gaining popularity in the enhanced, and premium bottled water categories.

Metromint continues to win accolades from national media including U.S. News & World Report, Real Simple, Fitness, The Today Show, and the Food Network. Metromint Peppermint was introduced at the Fancy Food Show in January 2004 and won a “Best of 2004” new product award from Bevnet.com. Metromint’s newest variety, Metromint Spearmint was recently introduced in March at the Natural Products Expo West and won a Best New Beverage Award and received a 4-Star rating from BevNet.

Metromint Peppermint is available in 500 ml. size for $1.39-$1.99 per bottle (retail) and in six-packs $6.99-$7.49 (Retail). Metromint Spearmint will be available in stores starting spring ’06.

Metromint has a loyal following among discriminating consumers and is available in stores nationwide including Whole Foods Market, Safeway Naturals, Wild Oats, and other natural food outlets. For more information, visit www.metromint.com.