Eric Barlevav (TIME) (Image credit: Marco Quezada)
The U.S. scene's emerging sprint talent, 22-year-old Eric Barlevav, is ready to test himself on the international stage at the upcoming American Eagle Outfitter's Tour of Pennsylvania. Barlevav will have another fast finisher, Mike Stoop, at his side to contest the bunch sprints. Stoop's pedigree includes multiple top tens in races like Athens Twilight and the the USA Crits Speedweek, while Barlevav launched his young carreer with a spectacular win at the Harlem Skyscraper Criterium in front of top-shelfers like Rahsaan Bahati, Freddy Rodrguez and Ivan Dominguez.
The Tour of Pennsylvania is the focal point of the season for TIME Pro Cycling, whose mission is develop young and talented riders and provide the spring board that they need to launch a career in cycling. "Being in this team has given me a lot of confidence. Erik [Saunders] and Pat [Raines] have changed the way I think of myself and my racing, and its starting to translate into me winning races, which is what I want to do," said Barlevav. Stoop added, "since Athens Twilight the team's morale and confidence has been building, the results have been coming more and more. I think now we know we can perform, and we are all ready to give everything for each other."
In addition to Barlevav and Stoop, TIME Pro Cycling will also bring fast finishers Dave Guttneplan (23) and Jackie Simes (20), first year senior and 2007 junior criterium national championships medalist Andy Baker (19), and the reigning U23 National Time Trial Champion Nick Frey.
