Meredith Miller, Stetson-Lee cross dress in pink for breast cancer

This weekend marks not only the third stop of the North American Cyclocross Trophy series in Boulder, Colorado, but also the close of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. When the racing wraps up at the Boulder Reservoir Saturday, one of the elite women will be handing out more than $1,000 in free gear to benefit local non-profit Hope Lives!

Cal Giant-Specialized riders Meredith Miller and Teal Stetson-Lee have worn special edition pink skinsuits on the ’cross circuit during the month of October and Miller is currently running an online raffle supporting the Fort Collins, Colorado-based organization that assists women living with breast cancer. Miller, the 2009 national road champion, took what began as an idea in the spring from Cal Giant-Specialized team director Anthony Gallino for the pink uniforms and has raised nearly $10,000 through the raffle, a silent auction and individual fundraising.

“I wanted to take it another step farther,” said Miller. When enough interest arose from individuals unable to attend the auction last week at local restaurant Backcountry Provisions, Miller held back a number of items from the event to enter in the raffle. Items up for grabs this week include:

GoPro HD Helmet Hero Camera (MSRP $299.99)
Mountain Hardwear Women’s Astra Jacket (MSRP $325.00)
Saris Bones 3 pink car rack (MSRP $159.99)
Look Keo 2Max pedals (MSRP $180.00)
2009 Team TIBCO National Champion jersey (not available for purchase)

Miller said that 100 percent of the proceeds from her fundraising will go to Hope Lives! to help the organization serve cancer patients in Northern Colorado. “I felt like I was able to make more of a difference with a smaller foundation,” said Miller of her benificiary. “The local part of it appealed to me as well and they’re been really responsive to my efforts… it’s been nice to feel really involved in the process.”

While Hope Lives! is a local foundation, Miller hoped people from around the country would step in to help. “These days almost everyone knows someone, whether family or friend, that has been affected by the disease,” said Miller. “Whether it’s local or not, it should make you feel good at the end of the day to give to a good cause and not only that, you have a good chance to win some nice items.”

Sportsbaseonline.com is hosting the raffle and tickets are available for $5 each, or five for $20. Ticket sales close Friday and Miller will announce the winners Saturday evening.

As for the pink skinsuits, the Cal Giant ladies aren’t sure if they’re ready to give them up yet. “Teal and I were talking about it the other day and we both really like the pink,” said Miller. “The plan is to retire the pink skinsuits, but you never know.”

Visit Sportsbase.online to purchase raffle tickets or make donations through Friday October 29.