Earlier today it was announced that Team Ouch Presented by Maxxis has added Chris Baldwin, a two-time U.S. National Time Trial Champion, to its roster for the remainder of the 2009 season.

“Chris has been one of North America’s top stage racers for this entire decade,” said team directeur sportif Mike Tamayo. “He’s an excellent time trialist and one of the best climbers around. He adds tremendous depth to our stage race squad. He’s had some great rides already this year, and I think he’ll really excel with this organization.”

OUCH Presented by Maxxis team leader Rory Sutherland has battled against Baldwin for the past two years and is glad to now be riding along side him.

“Chris is a good guy and a great rider,” Sutherland said. “His talents compliment in areas where we need more help. Obviously he’s a great time trialist, and he’s probably a better climber than I am, especially at altitude. He’s going to be a huge asset for us at races like Hood and Utah.”

“I’m thrilled to be riding with these guys and this team,” Baldwin said. “I respect all the guys on the team as riders. We’re all friends. I’ve been racing against and training with guys like Rory and Tim (Johnson) for quite a while.”

Baldwin noted that along with being able to race with a group of riders with whom he was already familiar, he was just as interested in the organization as a whole.

“When I started to look for teams to move to, I was very selective in where I looked,” he said. “Mike was at the top of my list of people to call. Obviously, the team has had great success in the NRC. They set goals and objectives each year and achieve them. All the riders are very professional. They know their jobs and they do them well. I’m very structured in training and racing and the organization fits that.

“I’m ready to do whatever the team needs me to,” he added. “I love helping other guys, riding the front or driving a break. I’m just excited to get started.”

Baldwin won’t have to wait long. He’ll get his first test wearing the OUCH Presented by Maxxis colors at the Mt. Hood Cycling Classic, which begins Wednesday.

“I’m really looking forward to racing this week,” Baldwin said. “I’ve been training like a monster the past week since finding out that we were able to work out a deal.”

He’ll be joined by Roman Kilun and Jonathan Chodroff for the challenging five-stage race, which features one of the toughest time trial and road race courses of any race in the country.

Chris Baldwin Vitals
Born: October 15, 1975
Lives: Boulder, CO
Ht: 6’1”
Wt.: 150
Pro since: 1999
Strengths: all-arounder

Career Highlights:
Two-time US Pro TT Champion (2003, 2005)
1st Overall, Tour of the Gila (2006)
2nd Overall Redlands Classic (2006, 2008)
2nd Overall, Cascade Classic (2007)
U.S. World Championships team member (2004, 2006)