It's on paper...

This was the story that made the news here in Greenville... the roster is now complete but this was written a few weeks ago!

Pretty cool.

Greenville, SC – Hincapie Sportswear is proud to announce the formation of its new Under-23 Junior Development Cycling Team to be managed out of its home office in Greenville, SC. The Hincapie Development Team will consist of six to eight 15-23 years old development riders and three Elite racers. The Team is focused on promoting the sport of cycling through an experienced rider mentoring program that allows U23/Junior riders to race and train with experienced Pro/Elite cyclist. The mentors will provide guidance in every aspect of the sport including training techniques, racing strategy, nutrition and sports psychology. In addition to these critical skills, the experience will also help promote an active lifestyle with life-long benefits.

“We have promoted cycling on many levels from event promotion to race team management and this is the next step in our support of the sport,” said Rich Hincapie, Team Leader and president of Hincapie Sportswear. “My brother, George and I understand how far you can go in this sport when you have quality opportunities, and we’re proud to provide support to these talented junior cyclists. Two-time National Champion, Craig Lewis was a rider on our Hincapie Elite Team several years ago, and he recently signed a professional contract to ride with George on T-Mobile, one of the most prestigious pro teams in the world. In addition to Craig’s success, our Elite Team has also developed numerous National and World Champions, so we know the program can succeed.”

Rich and George Hincapie are both products of USA Cycling’s junior development program. Most leaders in the sport agree that the key to growing bicycle racing in the US is to develop junior racers from a young age. There are development programs locally that help introduce riders to bike racing, but the Hincapie Development Team will provide the missing link between casual competition and racing on the elite pro level. Racers on the Hincapie Team will be groomed and managed to help them graduate from the amateur ranks into the pro peloton. These opportunities will help these talented youngsters achieve their cycling dreams.

Hincapie Development Team Roster:
U-23 Development Riders
AJ Meyer- JR Cat 2, Cohutta, GA
Ty Manger- JR Cat 2, Griffen, GA
Ben Gabaldi- JR Cat 3, Jackson, MS; 2007 13/14 JR National TT & Criterium Champion
David Hutton- U-23 Cat 1, Monroe, OH; Furman University Student
3-4 Spots TBD

Elite Team Mentors
Rich Hincapie- (Greenville, SC) As a long-time veteran of professional and amateur bicycle racing, Rich will provide expert guidance on every aspect of the sport. Rich was an accomplished domestic professional before starting Hincapie Sportswear, and he still competes regularly on the Elite level.

Shane Weaver- (Greenville, SC) Shane has developed a reputation as an intense competitor and a savvy team tactician. His superior bike handling and solid training regimen have lead to numerous successes. The powerful Category 1 sprinter has amassed over 20 wins, including one National Championship and seven State Championships in his relatively short career.

Steve Carpenter- (Chattanooga, TN) This 20-year veteran’s racing resume includes three top-seven finishes at the Master’s National Road and Time Trial Championships, two Tennessee Best Area Rider Jerseys and multiple District Championships. He is respected throughout the Southeast for his time trial and climbing skills and his talent to motivate and coach riders of all ability levels.



time to get rippin!