Fort Collins, CO 02/04/2014
The New Year has arrived and the excitement builds for another racing season. Team Rio Grande (TRG) continues its representation in USA Cycling, Collegiate, and National Racing Calendar (NRC) events in Colorado and across the US. Entering its 14th year of supporting elite amateur and master’s cyclists, TRG carries on the tradition of bringing strong riders together, who train consistently throughout the entire year, and share the passion of racing their bikes. The DNA of the team includes master’s racers who have raced since the program’s beginning and riders who have catapulted into the professional ranks such as: Mara Abbott, Tejay van Garderen, Chad Haga and many more. Leading the way, at the center of operations, is Rio Grande Restaurant owner Pat McGaughran supporting a team that competes in all cycling disciplines.
Looking back at 2013 results, TRG delivered solid results. The master’s team competed across nearly every men’s and women’s race level and age group (35+ to 55+). The Rio women dominated the 35+ category securing 1st in the Bicycle Racing Association of Colorado Best All-around Team (BAT) competition and held 5 of the top spots in the Best All-around Rider (BAR) competition. The Rio master’s men were led by Mike Schaumloeffel’s 2nd place in the 35+_3 BAR competition and podium finish in the 35+_3 BAT competition. In multisport competition, TRG sent 2 women to successfully compete at the Ironman Championships in Kona. Diana Hassel was 3rd in her age group building upon an impressive resume of World Championship results. But the success didn’t stop there. The Elite team built off of the transition that was started in 2012 to establish a squad centered on rider development and enablement to compete at the next level in the professional peloton. While competing on home turf, the team secured 5th in the SM1-2 BAT competition. After a summer of hard work and racing, the Green Mountain Stage Race (Vermont) was executed with great teamwork, control of the race, and holding of the Green jersey. In fine fashion, David Kessler wrapped up the calendar year by delivering a solid ride into 8th at the Tour of Tobago (UCI 1.2) race. Off the bike, Team Rio Grande continued community support for cycling events through the USA Pro Cycling Challenge as a key sponsor of the Northern Colorado stage.
As Team Rio Grande launches into 2014, it fields a roster of 50 plus riders from both the Elite and Master’s team led by seasoned directors Trevor Connor and Scott Glasscock. A spot on the Elite roster was well sought after from around the globe; receiving resumes from 50-60 applicants that reside in the US, Russia, Europe and even South Africa. Criteria focused on finding the right quality of person and rider. Colt Peterson and Nick Bax are the returning Elite team riders with roster additions from Colorado to Florida. The biggest goal is to give these riders the tools to be ready physically, mentally and strategically in the pro peloton. The Rio Master’s team will return a large core of riders on both the men’s and women’s team; an essential component to the longevity and consistency this program has built its success on. One particular area of key additions was the men’s team which added riders that held 2 of the top 10 spots in the 2013 BAR competition in the SM35+1-2’s category.
To make this all possible a group of sponsors are both new to our team and mainstays in the TRG tradition. Leading the way is Rio Grande Restaurants and Dohn Construction. Boulder Center for Sports Medicine, Peloton Cycles, Jose Cuervo Cinge, Vittoria, Smith Optics and Osmo Nutrition fill out the returning sponsor list. New this year, Team Rio Grande welcomes Food Services of America and clothing partner Castelli Cycling.
