Richmond, Virginia has become home to a new Professional Cycling team. Working in conjunction with the non-profit People Cycle, the team, previously named Team Natures Path, will be branded Richmond Pro Cycling fueled by Natures Path. With the immense support provided by Natures Path, along with the backing of local contributors and sponsors, the team has adapted the model of a local Pro Soccer team to create a bottom up approach to cycling and community development. And while the team will no doubt remain one of the premiere elite teams, the goal for everyone is to bring a professional cycling team to Richmond in 2009.

The team’s approach has drawn many community contributors, helping to create a sustainable organization whose mission is based on individual and community development, as well race results. As team founder and manager Craig Dodson said, “The next generation’s leaders need to start somewhere.
This team is about building good people on the bike, and then using them to help build strong communities off the bike.” To further this community work, the team will also be introducing some novel approaches to sponsor marketing and public relations. Chief among these are the ALAN Test Pilot program, where anyone from the public can test ride an ALAN bike with a member of the RPC team. As a bridge between sport and community, RPC is inviting everyone to come and join the team. Public collaboration will not only support team ventures, but also many of the youth outreach programs planned throughout 2008. Finally, the team is working with local sponsors to develop the next generation of riders through the Endorphin Fitness Junior Development and the Carytown Bicycles Collegiate Development.

In addition to its community work, the team will be represented at more than 80 events, including the USA Crit Series where only a handful of squads receive invitations to this prestigious event. As one of the leading U.S. amateur squads since 2005, RPC has taken a calculated path to the pro ranks, building a solid base of results on the backs of some of the most talented rides in the U.S. Returning to the team will be ider-manager Craig Dodson, former kilo-National Champion and Pan-Am Games athlete Gerardo Castro, top-10 finisher at U.S. Elite nationals, Paul Ward. Adding to the roster this year are Jeff Buckles, Stephen DeLisle, Ryan Mele, and most notably, Esteban Jukich. With podium finishes at several NRC races across the U.S. and Internationally, Jukich brings to the team added criterium and road muscle.

The team will officially kick off their 2008 season with a four-day team camp March 20 – 23, in Richmond, VA. During the camp, the team will receive media training, meet sponsors, contributors and staff members, before culminating at the Palani Drive Team Presentation on March 22nd. Unlike most teams, including many U.S. Pro Teams, RPC has a dedicated support system for riders, including health insurance, paid housing, and a medical staff. The team is also excited to add Exercise Physiologist Chris Harnish, M.S., from Tradewind Sports. Harnish will serve as the training consultant/coach for the team, as well as providing the team kits. More information about the team can be found at Richmondprocycling.com


Sponsors

Richmond, VA, Natures Path Organic Foods (Presenting Sponsor)
Ellwood Thompson’s Local Market
The Seawall Group
Primrose Schools
Palani Drive
Stellina Distributors, Alan Bicycles, Easton, Serfas, Carytown Bicycle
Company, Endorphin Fitness, & Tradewind Sports with Fernando Carvalho Custom
Clothing

Team Roster

Jeffery Buckles (US) – 21
Gerardo Castro (UY) – 29
Stephen Delisle (US) – 19
Craig Dodson (US) – 29
Esteban Jukich (UY) – 25
Ryan Mele (US) – 24
Paul Ward (US) – 24

Staff

Braden Govani (Mechanic), Dr. Robert Green (Chiropractor), Chris Harnish,
M.S. (Training/Coaching), Ed McNellis III (Legal Council), Dr. Theresa
Stadler (Physician)