A new development squad has been announced in the USA. Hincapie Sportswear Inc., clothing manufacturer, and advertising agency Barkley, have partnered up to create the Hincapie Barkley Development Team, which will consist of eleven 15-23 year-old development riders and four elite racers.
The team based out of Greenville, S.C., has put into place an experienced-rider mentoring programme that allows U23/Junior riders to race and train with experienced Pro/Elite cyclists. The mentors will provide guidance in every aspect of the sport, including training techniques, racing strategy, nutrition and sports psychology. The Hincapie Barkley Development Team will participate in various sanctioned USA Cycling events throughout the year.
"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, Hincapie Barkley 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."
The aim of the Hincapie Barkley Development Team is to provide the missing link between casual competition and racing on the elite pro level. Racers on the Hincapie Barkley Team will be groomed and managed to help them graduate from the amateur ranks into the pro peloton.
"Two-time National Champion Craig Lewis was a rider on our Hincapie Elite Team several years ago," said Rich Hincapie. "He recently signed a professional contract to ride with George on Team High Road (formerly T-Mobile). In addition to Craig's success, our Elite Team has also developed numerous National and World Champions, so we know the programme can succeed."
The Hincapie Barkley development team roster is:
U23 Development Riders
Ben Gabardi - JR Cat 3, Jackson, MS; 2007 13/14 JR National TT and Criterium Champion
Tyler Karnes - JR Cat 3, Chesapeake, VA
Evan Wynn - JR Cat 3, Asheville, NC
A.J. Meyer - JR Cat 2, Cohutta, GA
Ty Magner - JR Cat 2, Griffen, GA
Nick Housley - U23 Cat 2, Atlanta, GA
David Talbott - U23 Cat 2, Signal Mountain, TN
Chris Butler - U23 Cat 2, Hilton Head, SC; Furman University Student
David Hutton - U23 Cat 1, Monroe, OH; Furman University Student
Angela Austin - U23 Cat 4, Greenville, SC
Cinthia Lehner - Cat 4, Greenville, SC
Elite Team Mentors
Rich Hincapie - Cat 1, Greenville, SC; over 25 years of experience racing on the professional and elite amateur levels
Steve Carpenter - Cat 1, Chattanooga, TN; over 20 years of cycling success including three top-seven finishes at the Masters National Road and Time Trial Championships, two Tennessee Best Area Rider Jerseys and multiple District Championships
Steve Baker - Cat 3, Greenville, SC; over 20 years racing and training experience
Nicole Bossie - Cat 2, Greenville, SC; several years of valuable experience competing on the women's national racing circuit
