Closing Time for Rio Grande Elite Cycling

After more than two decades as a cornerstone of Colorado and national cycling, Rio Grande Elite Cycling has officially concluded at the end of the 2025 season. While the Elite chapter is closing, Team Rio Grande itself will continue through its masters and category racing programs, remaining an active presence in local racing and the broader cycling community.

The Elite program’s legacy is deeply tied to the long standing support of Rio Grande Mexican Restaurants and owner Patrick McGaughran, whose commitment helped make Rio Grande Elite Cycling one of the longest running development teams in American cycling.

“While the Rio Grande Elite program is ending, Team Rio Grande is very much continuing,” McGaughran said. “Our masters and category racing team remains active and committed to local racing, and we’re excited to roll out a new kit for 2026. You’ll continue to see Team Rio Grande at races and on the road.”

McGaughran reflected on the decision to step away from the Elite program with gratitude and pride.

“I decided to end the Rio Grande Elite Cycling program at the conclusion of the 2025 season,” he said. “For 25 years, we gave aspiring Cat 1 and 2 cyclists the opportunity to race in major events, often against professional teams across the U.S. and in select international races. This program has been incredibly fulfilling for me and has created a lasting legacy for Rio within the cycling community.”

Following the announcement in the fall that Rio Grande Mexican Restaurants would not return as title sponsor, team director Rees York spent several months actively seeking a new title partner to continue Rio Grande Elite Cycling. Despite extensive outreach and conversations, a replacement title sponsor ultimately did not materialize, leading to the difficult decision to bring the Elite chapter to a close.

“Our goal was always to preserve the quality and integrity of the program,” McGaughran said. “We were committed to doing it the right way, and I’m proud of how Rees worked tirelessly to explore every possible option.”

Throughout that process, riders were given transparency and support as they planned their next steps. Athletes who wished to continue racing at a high level were able to secure positions with other elite and professional teams, ensuring their development and ambitions could continue beyond Rio Grande Elite Cycling.

Over the years, the program provided a launchpad for countless athletes, offering a high level racing experience built on both performance and enjoyment.

“Our goal was a commitment to creating a high quality experience while having fun along the way,” McGaughran said. “We lived on that mission and are honored to have collaborated with so many bright, talented athletes.”

McGaughran also emphasized that the team’s success was made possible by a deep network of sponsors, volunteers, hosts, directors, and support staff.

“To the team directors and support staff, take a bow,” he said. “All the hours of travel, wrenching, cooking, and bottle filling made success at the races possible. What a Grande trip it has been.”

For the past six years, the Elite program was led by owner and team director Rees York, who viewed his role as stewardship of a long and meaningful legacy.

“The Rio Grande Elite Cycling Team has been a cornerstone of the Colorado cycling community for a long time, and for the past six years, I’ve had the privilege of leading this incredible group of athletes,” York said. “Many carried the mantle before me, so continuing that legacy was important.”

Under York’s leadership, the team raced aggressively on both domestic and international stages, earning respect far beyond its size and resources. The program emphasized development, particularly for local and collegiate riders balancing racing with school and life.

In the past six seasons alone, the team competed in Guatemala, Panama, Ecuador, Belize, and Bermuda, alongside major U.S. stage races including Redlands Bicycle Classic, Tour of the Gila, and Joe Martin Stage Race. Highlights included podium finishes, state championships, and international victories that reflected the depth of talent within the program.

While results mattered, York said the relationships formed through the team were just as meaningful.

“One of the best things to come out of the team were the connections,” he said. “Riders from all over the country and internationally became part of the Rio family. Some even moved to Fort Collins after experiencing the cycling community here.”

York credited the team’s partners and sponsors for believing in the mission and helping sustain it year after year, even as the landscape of elite cycling grew increasingly challenging.

“Though the team won’t continue next year, the legacy we built will live on through every rider who wore the Rio red,” York said. “To my riders, cheers to the adventure we’ve shared. I’ll always be cheering for you, and I’ll always be involved in cycling in some way.”

As Rio Grande Elite Cycling closes this chapter, both McGaughran and York emphasized that the program’s impact on the sport remains firmly intact, carried forward by the riders, staff, and community shaped by its example.