Want to be a bike racer, kids? Fifteen aspiring junior racers will be awarded equipment, technical support and coaching for the 2006 season based on their essays written on the topic, "Why I Want to Be a Bicycle Racer."

The contest is a collaboration among Specialized, Team Gerolsteiner’s Levi Leipheimer, NorCal Bike Sport and the city of Santa Rosa, California. All submissions are due by January 31, 2006; guidelines and rules can be found at www.norcalcycling.com.

Winners will be selected by a panel of judges led by Leipheimer, a two-time top-10 Tour de France finisher and a resident of Santa Rosa when he’s not racing in Europe. Winners will be announced during the inaugural Tour of California, February 19-26.

A fundraising dinner January 13 at NorCal Bike Sport’s new store in Santa Rosa will help fund the 15-rider squad. The evening will feature the sounds of The James Stafford Trio, and presentations about the world of Euro racing by Leipheimer and his coach, Dr. Max Testa. Leipheimer and Testa will also mix with the crowd and signing autographs.

Tickets are available for $250 per plate or $500 per for a spot at the tables of Leipheimer, Testa or five-time gold medalist Dr. Eric Heiden.

Seating is extremely limited and can be purchased by contacting NorCal Bike Sport at 707-573-0112. For more information, check www.norcalcycling.com or www.levileipheimer.com. A portion of the proceeds from the event will also benefit A Leg Up animal rescue; for more, see www.aleguprescue.org.