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2008 TEAM INFERNO PRO CYCLING JERSEY SNEEK PEEK! The team gear is ready to go. Shedding last year's camo pattern for a pin-striped zoot suit look, the team will flaunt this jersey (among others) during the 2008 season. Thank you, Champion System!
INFERNO 'S 2008 ROSTER IS RELEASED! After an odd year, leaving many top riders hunting for jobs, Inferno Racing LLC has decided on its final roster. Cycling News, Pez Cycling News and True Sport have all run the release today.
Carrying a new name and keeping with the program's high talent level, the team has replaced departed leader, Mark Hekman, with sprint ace, Jeffrey Hopkins. A pool of National and International talent has been recruited to carry the program to the next level!
2008 ROSTER
- Marco Aledia
- Andy Applegate
- Jim Baldesare
- Jeff Braumberger
- Joe Cooper *
- Josh England
- Ryan Gamm
- Jaime Gandara
- Bennet van der Genugten
- Hayden Godfrey *
- Rich Harper
- Jeff Hopkins
- Remi McManus
- Christian Parrett
- Ryan Rish
- Tim Swain
- Chad Thompson
- Matt Winstead
* Rider added after this press release.
The team continues with new sponsors and a new name.
Formerly known as the A&F Pro Development Cycling Team, a shift in sponsors and team status has found the founding company getting the honor of the title spot. While A&F continues to support the charity efforts of Inferno, they will no longer cary the torch or be present on the jersey.
Team founder and GM boasts, "The team has many silent investors and patrons of the sport that contribute to our budget, charities and program efforts. We put the name to a vote between all of our contributors (silent and displayed) and the riders themselves. The all voted to keep our grassroots alive and simply be 'Inferno'."
We have many sponsors still signing on, and many in negotiations. These sponsors will become known at a later date. The program is excited for the continuing and newly established partnerships that help keep this non-profit, top-tier team at the forefront!
2008 SPONSORS & SUPPLIERS
- AltoLab *
- Ashville Velo Sports (formerly A2)
- Bonk Protection Products *
-
Bonk Breaker, Inc. *
- Bruce Thompson LLC
- Caribou *
- Champion System *
- Crank Brothers
- Credit to Ride *
- Inferno Wear *
- Inno Advanced Car Racks
- Jagwire
- Kenda Tire
- Kool 'N Fit
- Kore *
- Lake Shoes
- Masi Bicycles
- MATTEO Studios
- Mazza Vineyards
- Motor Tabs
- Paceline Products
- ProGold Lubricants *
- ProNet, Inc.
- Rudy Project
- SDG USA *
- Sigma Sport
- Skins *
- Sock Guy *
- Slipstreamz
- Spinergy
- SRAM Corporation
- SRM
- TRP Brakes *
- Wippermann Chains
- Wobble-Naught Precision Fitting
* Indicates new program supporter.
INFERNO REFLECTS ON AMAZING SEASON! The A&F Pro Development Cycling Team has had an amazing season to say the least. From Mark Hekman's Athens Twilight and USA Crits Series victories to the team's utter dominance at the Tour of Ohio, the hard riding efforts of all the members is a true reflection of teamwork.
The team ended up in the top spot for US Criterium Racing in 2007 and plans to push further in 2008 by stepping into the Division 3 Continental arena.
"The team has had tremendous success. We could not have hoped for more!" boasts team boss, Chad Thompson. "We have more than proven ourselves with consistent results in every elite/pro race we entered. Thank you to all of our sponsors. Thank you, Mark Hekman. Thank you to all those that helped us raise charity money."!
While the road season has officially ended, the camo-clad riders have taken to cyclocross for the winter (A&F/Masi Cyclocross Team). So, be sure to cheer on your favorite A&F rider while you are there!
Inferno Racing brings experience and wisdom to its regional Elite roster by adding Jeff Braumberger, formerly of Texas Roadhouse.
"Jeff brings many years of talent, european experience and unprecedented professionalism to our company and team." says program manager, Chad Thompson. "He is well liked, respected and skilled. We are very luck to have him aboard."
Jeff will first suit up in urban camo during the 07-08 cyclocross season and will continue through the 2008 road racing season. Welcome aboard, Jeff!
Inferno Racing welcomes another supporter to the program. ProGold has become the official supplier of bicycle lubricants and bike wash for the A&F team starting immediately and running through at least 2008.
We could not be more pleased that this top notch company approached us. ProGold will donate all of the team's product and will be tested rigorously. Thank you, ProGold!
The camo team heads to its final race of the year with high hopes. The USA Crits Championship Series finale is this coming Thursday in Las Vegas, NV. The team had originally had all 4 competitions clinched, but has been plagued by injuries leading into the final event.
The team is still poised to win the team competition, laps led competition (Mark Hekman) and hopes to nab the U25 competition as well (Gavic currently sits in 2nd). The once inevitable king, Mark Hekman, will have to settle for 2nd or 3rd overall, as his injuries have left him absent from the final 2 events. Wish the team luck, and we hope to see you there!
Bennet nabbed yet another 2 jerseys to add to his Stars and Stripes closet. A&F own won the US National Collegiate Individual Omnium Championship, and was a member of the winning Team Pursuit squad (Marion College). Congrats, Bennet!
A&F Pro Development Team's Bennet van der Genugten nabs yet another Division 1 US Collegiate National Track Championship Title by winning the Men's Kilo (Kilometer TT)!
A&F Pro Development Team scores back-to-back victories in the South's final and most prestigious regional events!
Rich Harper, supported by teammates Andy Applegate and Jim Baldesare, managed to earn the top step on the podium on consecutive days. Rich won both the Tour of the Oaks and the coveted Carolina Cup.
Harper, who is now the team's highest placed member able to compete at the World Criterium Championships, will use this momentum to finish the season off in style. Great work, Rich!
Inferno launches its new Cyclo-cross team with fervor! On the team's first official outing, the A&F/Masi Cross Team bagged a 1-2 finish in Powell, Ohio.
Photo credit - Blair Fraley
Ryan Rish, team VP and Tim Swain actually came across the line together for a tie. Neither wanted to admit who was first, and each bagged the first victory of the year for the upstart cross team. Good job lads!
Inferno continues development of young riders despite 2008 pro team ambitions. The team is proud to announce the signing of Christian Parrett of Macon, Georgia. Christian is a junior racer and will be so in 2008 as well.
Christian is the son of team supporter, David Parrett, Marketing Manager for Thomson Co. The spot on the team is no favor, though. Christian had 2 top 6 performances at this year's USCF Junior National Championships and earned a spot on the Junior National Team.
Photo credit - David Parrett, LH Thomson Co.
"Inferno is trying to create something unique, by having both Pro and Elite rosters. Both rosters will have experienced and up-and-coming talent." states team VP, Ryan Rish. "Parrett will start on the Elite roster and should develop into quite a professional if he keeps this pace."
"Christian has had offers to join many Junior Teams and local Elite Teams as well. His wish was to be a part of our team, though. He proved strong to us as our ride leader at our pre-season camp, and continued his outstanding development throughout the year!" says team GM, Chad Thompson. "So, the whole team agreed to grant his wish for 2008." Welcome aboard, Christian.
Two Johns Podcast interviews Team GM, Chad Thompson. John Gatch sat with the team boss to learn a little more about the team, its mission and its lofty goals. The full interview will be available Tuesday September 4, 2007. Be sure to visit their site (http://twojohnspodcast.blogspot.com) and give it a listen!
Inferno's Junior Donation Nation continues to make aspiring youngster's dreams come true! Michael Musilli had watched Mark Hekman win stage 4 of the Tour of Ohio. Michael, a racer himself, fell in love with the camo team and begged his father to assist him in getting an A&F kit of his own.
Team VP, Ryan Rish, received Michael's letter (written in crayon on a paper place mat) and put the wheels in motion to give this youngster an actual dream gift for his upcoming birthday. Team boss, Chad Thompson, agreed that an Ohio youth should be guided in the sport and be rewarded for being one of the program's biggest fans.
Team member, Timothy Swain, arrived on Michael's door step with an Abercrombie & Fitch bag of goodies, provided by the team and several of its sponsors. A special thank you to Inferno, Canari Cyclewear, SRAM, Motor Tabs, and Crank Brothers. Happy Birthday, Michael!
THE RISE AND FALL OF A KING! Mark Hekman, injured in last weeks rain drenched National Criterium Championship, lost his grip of the USA Crits Championship Series overall lead today to Frank Travieso of AEG. Mark was unable to start the day's event, and as a result had to step of the first podium step that he has held for the entire series.
Photo credit - Kurt Jambretz, Action Images ©
The team worked hard to isolate Travieso, but he proved too strong on the day. Nonetheless, Bennet van der Genugten found himself in the early break with Emile Abraham (Priority Health), and assured he scored all of the laps led in the process. This keeps Hekman in the lead of that competition, and if scored properly, the team will also maintain its overall lead in the team competition.
Brandon Gavic also made his return to racing today, following his major collarbone surgery just weeks ago. As such, Brandon still leads the U25 competition.
"We are just so proud of this team!" boasted GM and founder, Chad Thompson. "We were in the lead of all of the competitions until today. We knew without Mark here, that we would most likely lose the overall individual spot. It is just too bad, as Mark has been the dominant force throughout the series. I know that AEG would not have preferred to get the lead this way either. They do, however, deserve to be the successor. We will kick and scratch to defend our leads in the other three competitions, though, and Mark will hop up on the podium in Las Vegas, though be it in a cast."
The cat's out of the bag!
A&F's team captain, Mark Hekman, is out for the remainder of the 2007 season. Hekman is sidelined as a result of a serious injury sustained in the final turns of last weekend's National Criterium Championship (click here for Cycling News' report).
"Mark had surgery yesterday and is expected to recover 100%, but will be off the bike for approximately 10 weeks." informs Thompson, team boss. "We are very bummed, as this might cost Mark the overall USA Crits Series Title that Mark has led since day 1, and richly deserves (in addition to the team leading all 4 of the series' competitions)! He still has a chance, but our focus is on next year, where Hek and a new powerhouse roster will debut on the UCI Professional Circuit."
Mark will still attend Interbike and the World Criterium Championship/USA Crits finale, where he will be on the podium for the overall. There is a good chance that he will remain top-dog, despite his inability to participate in the final two events. "Its not over 'till its over." says Mark. "Wish us luck." Good luck.
NATIONAL CRITERIUM CHAMPIONSHIPS - THE GOOD, THE BAD, AND THE VERY UGLY! A great weekend turned sour for the A&F crew with only one turn to go.
The announcers, said it, many of the fans said it, team management said it . . . "A&F is the best team here, and they are animating the show." Although the team would have riders at the front and taking charge for the entirety of the event, nature had other plans for the number one seed. The year's number one goal, the US Elite Mens National Criterium Championship again showed its not-so-kind side to the A&F clan, crushing hopes, once again, of stars and stripes for the team.
A very rainy weekend, and construction in turn 7 of the 8 turn course, proved difficult for nearly all of the riders entered. 11 of the 13 A&F riders met the pavement at least once and utilized almost all of the team's back-up equipment.
The fatal blow came while exiting the second-to-last turn of the race, when Mark Hekman hit diesel fuel (left in the road from the construction taking place) and went down at over 40 mph! The crash interrupted the 5 man lead-out train and left Hekman with broken parts, and an unknown injury to his left heel
"We raced for our sprinter, Marco Aledia, today." stated team GM, Chad Thompson. "The team proved flawless the entire day! Entering the final turns, the team had the previously assigned lead-out in order. That's racing, I guess, but man . . . " Marco would still end up 6th on the day, after managing to avoid hitting his own lead out men, and hurting his hand in the ensuing crash on the final turn.
The team gains more momentum with one week remaining until the US Elite Men's National Criterium Championship! Team sprinter, Marco Aledia, showed his stuff at the Tour of Elk Grove today by winning two primes and placing second to Priority Health's Howard in a photo-finish!
"Marco started his sprint a bit late and simply ran out of real estate. Howard got a great jump and managed to hold off our finisher." stated team VP, Ryan Rish, following the event.
The team heads to Downers Grove, IL with the hopes of capturing the elusive stars and stripes jersey for the program. See you there!
A&F Pro Development looks set to clinch the overall title at the USA Crits Championship Series, and Brandon Gavic clear to return to racing!
Mark Hekman has only 2 events remaining to capture the inaugural USA Crits Championship Series crown. If done, he will add this to his amazing Athens Twilight win and the USA Crits SE title. The team is also set to capture the Team Competition, though only led by a narrow margin, the Laps Led Competition (Mark Hekman) and the Best Young Rider/U25 Competition (Brandon Gavic).
Mark's young lieutenant, Brandon Gavic, has the clear to return to racing, and will be present for the last 2 Championship Series events. Gavic, who broke his collarbone less than a month ago, still has a convincing lead in the U25 Competition, despite missing 2 events. Welcome back, Brandon!
Inferno Racing beefs up its A&F Pro Development Team's roster with 2 new additions. Welcome, Remi McManus and Jaime Gandara.
Remi needs no introduction, having the 2001 US National Road Championship title, 4 years on the pro circuit and many accolades to his name. Hailing from Boise, Idaho, McManus adds both lead out depth and a rocket finish when needed.
Jaime Gandara comes to the team after an impressive stage win at the Tour of Ohio, and an official try out at the International Cycling Classic. Gandara is of the breed A&F finds an asset to the squad; big and fast. Jaime has spent the last few seasons racing in Belgium and Spain.
Both riders have signed on for the remainder of 2007 and 2008 to assist the team's goal of building an even stronger team around Criterium Ace, Mark Hekman. Welcome aboard!
Brandon Gavic is on the road to recovery. A nasty crash on day 2 of the International Cycling Classic, found the A&F rider with a severely broken collar bone. This would mean a nixed season for most, but Brandon remains determined to be back to form this year, in order to assist Mark Hekman at the inaugural World Criterium Championships in Las Vegas.
Last Monday, top Orthopedic surgeons placed a cadaver bone segment in place of the damaged clavicle. They then tied the bones together with formed titanium joiner plates. Believe it or not, Brandon is already back on the bike (with restrictions). Unbelievable!
NEW TEAM VP ENTERS WORLD! Congratulations to the Thompson Family (Chad and Trudi) on the birth of their new baby daughter, Mackenzie Rae Thompson.
After long labor hours and an operation, the 6 lb. 12 oz. beauty measured in at 19 1/2 in. in length and has a full head of black hair. Look for her at races in the future, wearing full Inferno garb.
HEKMAN AND A&F PRO DEVELOPMENT REMAIN UNTOUCHABLE AT USA CRITS CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES! With the field together for a field sprint in the number 6 stop of the USA Crits Championship Series (Wells Fargo Twilight Criterium - Boise, Idaho), Mark nabs another top 10 finish and increases his lead.
Marco Aledia led out Mark for the field sprint, with the sole mission of putting him anywhere in front of the hard-charging Frank Travieso (AEG). The tactic was a success, with Mark placing 7th and Travieso 8th on the day. An out-of-steam Aledia held on for 13th and also advanced into the top 5 within the overall standings. A&F now holds 4 of the top 10 positions within the individual overall standings! A job well done.
The International Cycling Classic (Super Week) gets better for A&F crew with fresh legs and guest talent.
A&F adds 2 riders to the International Cycling Classic roster for try-outs. Jamie Gandara is on loan from Colavita New Mexico and Tasmanian youngster, Stephan Rossendell, is set to arrive on Tuesday.
"Its the time of year to try out some younger and newer talent. It helps us get a feel for a prospect's fit with the team, his performance capabilities and his candor in the field. So far, Jamie is a hit." States team boss, Chad Thompson. "We are always looking ahead, and our 2008 roster has only a couple of openings remaining."
Thus far, Jamie has had 2 top 20 finishes in 2 starts, including today's 6th place. His break riding prowess and daunting size are becoming useful tools to the lads as they continue their campaign in Milwaukee.
Good and bad for A&F squad at the International Cycling Classic (formerly known as Milwaukee Super-Week).
A freak crash takes out A&F's rising star, Brandon Gavic, with a broken collar bone! Brandon crashed while moving across to the winning break-away with a BMC rider. The crash happened within 100 yards of catching the group. Heal quickly, Brandon, the team needs you.
Making the best of a bad situation, Frankie Dierking took his strength to the same break-away and worked hard for a well earned 5th place and a spot on the day's podium. The solid daily performances have put Frankie into the top 25 overall, and brings hopes to the team as the 3 week long event continues.
Congratulations to Paul Martin (Texas Roadhouse) on his 2007 Elite Men's US National Road Race Championship.
While Paul does not ride for the A&F program, he is a Cleveland based cyclist (as is our team's management) and not only inspires many riders in the area, but brings the title back to Ohio for a second time, proving the Mid-West is a true Mecca for the highest level of the sport. Great job, Paul!
TITLE SPONSOR NEEDED FOR 2008! The A&F Pro Development Cycling Team needs a title sponsor for 2008. While A&F continues its supporting role, Inferno's team has designs to be both professional and elite in the coming season.
"This is a proven team, with a proven program. Our ROI is phenomenal and whomever signs on is getting a winning program, with a professional attitude." boasts team founder and GM, Chad Thompson. "Inferno is looking for a sponsor to accompany (ahead of) the A&F name. We are also entertaining legitimate merger proposals as well."
While the finishing touches are being applied to the official 2008 Marketing Proposal, the 2007 version is available for an overview (click here). Stay tuned for the 2008 version, coming in the near future.
Interested? Please contact team GM, Chad Thompson, by clicking here.
Make it 2! Andy Applegate has added more stars & stripes to his growing collection. Andy has earned 2 more US National Championship titles to his resume by winning 2 mixed tandem events with wife Cara McCauley (Team BMW/Bianchi). The 2 blitzed both the mixed tandem time trial and the elite mixed tandem road race. Congrats to the pair!
Andy also managed a 2nd in the Masters Individual Time Trial. "I am happy with it. I rode the TT of my life, but the winner was just better. I could not have gone any harder." said Applegate. Andy is focused now on the elite road race and time trial. Good luck, A2!
Marco Aledia also grabbed a 2nd place in his first ever master's event - the US National Master Criterium Championship. While Carl Bordine had managed to slip away for the win. Marco chased with no assistance, and had to settle for an impressive field sprint win for a podium. Great job, Marco!
RAW DEAL! A&F criterium ace, Mark Hekman, raced another high-paced USA Crits Championship Series battle last evening at the Iron Hill Twilight Criterium. Despite his usual solid performance, Mark was met with an unpleasant surprise when prize collection time was upon the team. His 6th place result was met with an unusual relegation by the race's head official.
The official's claim was that Mark had made a "dangerous move" during the final sprint. To further the pain of this untimely and confusing enforcement, not a single rider in the peloton had complained. In fact, most were in shock and certainly dismayed by the officials decision.
"It just doesn't make sense. I did not feel like I got 'dangerous', and neither did any of the top 10 riders. It just hurts my lead in the series severely." stated a frustrated Hekman following another dazzling performance. "We have to trust and abide by the officials decisions, though. So, on to the next one."
Even with the relegation, Mark maintains his lead over AEG's speedster, Frank Travieso. Though his lead over Travieso was severely cut, Mark and the A&F team are still confident they can pull off the full series sweep. Next stop? Wells Fargo Twilight Criterium on July 21, 2007.
Another weekend at the office for the men in camo saw both highlight and frustration. With 2 solid days of racing at the Tour de Grandview, and a heavily stacked field both days, A&F had both highs and lows.
Saturday's criterium was both hot and fast with 12 riders (3 from the A&F clan) lapping the 85 rider field. A once again flawless Texas Roadhouse kept the attacks steady and the A&F break away trio (Tim Swain, Ryan Gamm and Bennet van der Genugten) found themselves short stacked after a crash removed Tim Swain from the race, and sent him to the hospital via ambulance. He was later released with a possible minor concussion. It was to be Roadhouse's day, as the hard charging Kirk Albers (Texas Roadhouse) flew from the field with 12 laps remaining. Bennet chased to no avail, and the team had to settle for two top 10 finishes.
Photo: Tour de Grandview Credit: Todd Lee
Day 2 was to play out much differently, although the end result was the same. Kirk Albers of Texas Roadhouse took his third consecutive victory, but the A&F Team was hot on his heels for second, sixth and eighth.
"The guys rode spectacularly today. They were out numbered, but were no doubt the strength of the field today. Kirk may have won (and deserved to), but we had a great day." concluded Ryan Rish, team VP.
The Tour of Ohio concluded today with Stage 6, and another win for Marco Aledia and the A&F Pro Development Cycling Team.
Photo: Tour of Ohio Stage 6 Credit: Sprinfield News
The camo clan had every intention of leading Marco out for the victory to seal the Green Points Leader Jersey and bring home the overall for Mark Hekman.
"It was perfect, just perfect." Ryan Rish, VP and DS at the Tour of Ohio claimed after the race. "The guys were in sync all week and everyone raced selflessly."
Photo: Tour of Ohio Stage 6 Credit: Blair Fraley
As a result, A&F claimed all three jerseys for good (Yellow - overall winner, Green - points/sprint winner, and Polka-dot - best climber/KOM). The final results are:
Mark Hekman - 1st General Classification
Josh England - 3rd General Classification
Marco Aledia - 1st Points Competition
Timothy Swain -1st KOM Competition
Here's to a great success at the Tour of Ohio! Great job, guys.
An uneventful but fast paced circuit race for Tour of Ohio's Stage 5, keeps the team in ALL 3 jerseys!
A&F kept the field at bay for yet another field sprint. The wide finish made the field hard to control in the last 200 meters, but 2 men still landed in the top 10.
"We are going into the last day with all the jerseys, and it is our forte - a flat, fast crit!" explained an excited Ryan Gamm. "We are all so pumped and riding so well together!"
Mark wins! The Tour of Ohio's Stage 4 Worthington Criterium was another day in the office for Crit man, Mark Hekman.
The team drilled the last 5 laps for Mark, delivering him into the final turn in first place, where he won by 4 bike lengths. As a result, Mark has broken the leader's tie, and now is the sole owner of the yellow leader's jersey with 2 more stages remaining.!
The hardest stage (Stage 3) to date of the Tour of Ohio proves tough but oh so rewarding for the camo team.
"Old man's cave (AKA: Hocking Hills) Road Race is one of the hardest road races in the country!" sighed Ryan Rish, team VP and rider. "We all knew this would be the penultimate stage, and the boys all delivered amazing rides today!"
An early long break gave Tim Swain a chance to shine, where he collected every KOM point on the road before eventually being caught by the locomotive tandem of Mercy's Dewey Dickey and A&F's own Mark Hekman, whom ended up 2nd on the day.
The 2nd place result keeps all of the jerseys with the A&F Pro Development Team, but they have shuffled amongst teammates. Tim Swain earned the polka-dot KOM jersey, Marco sits in Green (although Hekman is actually leads in the competition) and Hekman is tied for the yellow with Mercy's Dicky Dewey.
"We will do everything we can to keep every jersey. This is our hometown race and all of our title sponsors and supporters are watching" says Rish, team VP, "The guys have just all been on top of it! Only 3 more stages to go."
Tour of Ohio Stage 2, and the team was hard at work again today, placing Kiwi youngster, Josh England in first place and in yellow!
A tough and hilly circuit found the boys at their limits trying to defend the yellow. In the end, an ever slaving camouflage team delivered a second consecutive win at the Tour of Ohio, and the camo clad warriors now own all 3 leader's jerseys - Marco Aledia in yellow, Josh England in the polka-dot climber's (KOM) jersey and Mark Hekman in Green.
"The toughest stage awaits us tomorrow." claims team leader, Mark Hekman. "We are not worried, necessarily, but we know we have to ride smart and as hard as we can. This field is strong!"
A&F takes control of Stage 1 of our hometown Tour of Ohio. A fast and technical criterium was lit up by the hard driving A&F Pro Development train, bringing a 1-2 finish for Marco Aledia and Mark Hekman, respectively.
Marco Aledia (Center) and Mark Hekman (right)
The team now occupies 1st and 2nd place overall in the GC. Marco will start stage 2 in the yellow leader's jersey, and Mark's hard work earned him the green sprinter's jersey. Good job, lads!
After round 4 of the USA Crits Championship Series - the AT&T Amli Austin Criterium, Mark Hekman remains in the leader's jersey. Mark also holds the most laps led and the team moves into 1st place in the team GC competition!
Mark and the team were very animated during the the star-studded speed fest. Mark managed to get away with Sean Sullivan (Toyota-United Pro Cycling Team) and Phil Wicoff (HealthCoach) for an astounding 35 laps! Unfortunately, the hard charging Toyota and AEG teams caught the trio with only 3/4 of a lap remaining and AEG's speedster, Frank Travieso came across the line first.
Hekman held on for yet another top 10 (8th), Rich Harper was right on Mark's wheel for 9th and Brandon Gavic tagged along for 12th. As a result, A&F now has 3 gents in the top 10 overall - Mark in 1st, Harper in 8th and Gavic in 10th.
"This has just been a phenomenal year for both Mark and our program" gloats Thompson, team GM. "We are fortunate enough to be the most competitive amateur team, heck, we are in 1st in all of the series' competitions! We couldn't ask for more. We are managing to race with all of the best teams this country has to offer, and we are fending well."
A&F's southern trio dominate Settlers Life Omnium in heavy hitting field! Mark Hekman, Rich Harper and Andy Applegate operated flawlessly this weekend to palace Mark Hekman atop the individual overall title.
The three musketeers all placed highly each day (see results page) and set Mark up for the final criterium win in Bristol, TN to clinch the overall spot. For full results, click here.
Andy unfortunately hit the deck hard in the final 200 meters after leading Mark out for the victory, but is okay and plans to be at the start line of the rapidly approaching Tour of Ohio.
Bad luck, simple mistakes and a flawless Texas Roadhouse Cycling Team bring hardship to the A&F Team at the Summer Solstice Stage Race in southern, Ohio.
"We made some simple mistakes, a couple of us got steered off course at the ITT (Chad Thompson and Jimmy MacDonald, whom was disqualified as a result), and some of us missed starts due to confusing directions." said team boss-man, Chad Thompson. "Either way, we got some solid racing in and we are not making any excuses. Roadhouse was picture perfect (winning every stage) and they deserved the win!"
Going into the final stage, only 2 remained in contention for a top 10 GC placing, Chad Thompson and Bennet van der Genugten. Chad crashed entering lap 5 of 6, leaving only Bennet to contend (with the assistance of 2 hard charging A&F teammates, Ryan Gamm and Brandon Gavic).
Bennet and the remaining riders made the best of it and brought Bennet from 12th overall to a 3rd spot on the podium by days end. "I am happy considering the entire weekend." van der Genugten said following the exhausting final stage. "Roadhouse was just perfect, man, just perfect."
Mark Hekman moves into top 20 in Men's Individual NRC rankings!
After a spectacular 2 months, Hekman has made the move to 13th in the overall men's individual NRC rankings, ahead of some very big names. He also moves into the number 1 spot, yet again, in the USAC men's elite ranking for criterium Great job, Mark!
Kiwi sensation, Josh England, controls field at St. Albans for another win to his name. Josh was the sole representative for the team at the 2nd annual St. Albans Grand Prix, held on Saturday, June 2. This charitable event is a program favorite, and Josh has kept the A&F name as victor for the second consecutive year!
The A&F Pro Development Cycling Team moves into 2nd place overall within the USA Crits Championship Series Team Classification! "This is big. It is really, really big for a young program, such as ours, that is making every effort to turn pro in 2008." says team GM, Chad Thompson. "We are behind AEG-Toshiba-Jet Network - a really solid pro team - and in front of the rest! This includes Health Net, Kodak and Kelly. We are very fortunate and proud to be in this position."
Mark Hekman still remains in the overall lead of the USA Crits Championship Series as well, after another stunning performance at the 10th Annual CSC Invitational today. "Mark continues to impress." states AEG boss, Ravi Rajcoomar. "These [A&F Pro Development Cycling Team] guys show up to race."
Our team's tremendous success has seen a plethora of media coverage to boot. "All magazines and web-sites are now referring to us as 'one of the big teams/big guns' It's kind of nice." boasted Mark Hekman, after another rock solid performance. Next stop? Amli Austin Criterium, where Mark will dawn the bib number 1 for the 8th time during the 2 USA Crits Series.
Mark Hekman remains in top spot! Crit number 2 of the 10 race USA Crits Championship Series took place at the Tour of Somerville today. Again, the team found success with Mark in 11th and a hard working Brandon Gavic very close behind. Click here for full results.
Today's results keep Mark in the overall lead in the series and keep him in bib number 1. Next stop . . . CSC Invitational.
A&F team proves strong in back-to-back regional events. With 6 A&F riders at the start of the Tour de Granville, 5 place in top ten (Jimmy MacDonald, Ryan Rish, Ryan Gamm, Neil Coleman and Chad Thompson)!
Hayden Godfrey (Colavita-Sutter Home Pro Cycling Team) took the victory with A&F's youngest, Jimmy MacDonald, hot on his tail for 2nd. The hard charging chase group was within 10 seconds at the finish line with A&F camo consuming the front. Great job, guys!
The team keeps it rolling in NRC events, with just 2 days remaining until part 2 of the USA Crit Series!
Mark Hekman found himself in a large split of 30 riders during the Bike Jam/Kelly Cup, and ended up 9th, for yet another top 10 result within the National Racing Calendar.
The team will start the Tour of Somerville with Mark Hekman wearing bib number 1 (as the current overall leader) for the second leg of the USA Crit Series. The team is also sitting high amongst the Team Classification in 6th.
MORE A&F TEAM NRC MAGIC! The camo clad riders claim another podium spot at the Raleigh Downtown NRC Twilight Criterium this evening.
Rich Harper nabbed his first NRC podium spot after making a 7 man selection that lapped the heavy hitting field. Mark Hekman (11th this evening), Andy Applegate and Bennet van der Genugten gave it their all, with the help of the AEG-Toshiba-Jet Network and Jittery Joe's Pro Cycling Teams to keep the field at bay while the 7 rider move sorted things out in the final sprint. In the end, Rich was 3rd in his hometown, with all of his family and friends in attendance. Great work, Rich!
A&F team sweeps podium and most of top 10 spots in regional criterium yesterday. The Lancaster Gran Prix saw 8 A&F Pro Development Team riders at the start line of this fast four corner criterium.
With only 40 starters, A&F comprised almost a 1/4 of the field, and it showed. A 6 man break (containing 5 A&F riders) lapped the field with a hard charging Hayden Godfrey (Colavita-Sutter Home Pro Cycling Team) chasing.
In the end, Jim Baldesare, Tim Swain and Brandon Gavic swept the podium respectively. Josh England, Ryan Gamm, Marco Aledia and Chad Thompson also found their way into the top 10 for a solid regional performance. Great job, guys!
Another solid race for A&F and another solid result for the locomotive better known as Mark Hekman.
The team wrapped up the Joe Martin NRC Stage Race with Mark placing 12th in the final criterium stage and placing in 18th in the overall classification. Here's to yet another job well done.
A rocky start for the A&F team at the Joe Martin Stage Race still placed team speedster, Mark Hekman, in the top 20 and only 8 seconds off of the lead!
A big pile-up with roughly a kilometer to go found many hitting the deck, or simply stuck. Only Josh England and Mark found their way out of the mess to finish with the leaders. Click here for Stage 1 results.
With 3 more stages to go, the 7 man roster can still turn the unfortunate luck into another great team effort. Good luck, guys!
ITS A WRAP! MARK GRABS USA CRIT SERIES SE TITLE!
"Incredible! Simply incredible!" are the words of team boss, Chad Thompson. "All of us knew he had the engine and skill to do something like this, but this is just too much!"
Mark and the A&F Pro Development Cycling Team wrapped up 8 solid days of NRC racing in 9 days and came up with the overall win. Along the way, the guys kept Mark in the top 10 in almost every event and, of course, the top spot at Athens Twilight. The crew also finished in 4th overall for the team competition (the highest elite team to do so).
"This was huge for us. I am so glad I got to be a part of this" boasted former US Crit Champ, Jim Baldesare. All of Inferno Racing shares the sentiment. Congratulations, Mark Hekman and the USA Crit Series Team, for a job well done!
Another top 5 for team and Hekman, send Mark into the final day of the USA SE Crit Series in the overall lead.
"Mark and the team are having a dream series. Hekman is in unbelievable form and this is simply a "Cinderella Story" for us and him" says the team's GM.
Back in the lead! Mark Hekman and the A&F team found themselves back in the overall lead in the USA SE Crit Series again following the conclusion of the series 6th stop in Spartanburg, SC.
Mark wound up in 13th today in a hectic finish. This was still placed higher than any of the overall contenders and moved him back into the overall top spot for both Cirt Series. Two days to go!
Another top 10 in the USA SE Crit Series for Mark Hekman and the A&F team! Today's Uptown Greenwood Criterium was the 5th of 8 stops for the USA SE Crits and the team put Hekman into the top 10 again, with an 8th place.
Mark found himself off the front for 13 laps trying to regain the overall lead in the SE Series. At the conclusion a strong finish still leaves him in 2nd overall and hungry for the lead.
Mark and the A&F troops head into the final three days with one thing in mind. Wish them luck!
The team continues campaign at the USA SE Crit Series! Mark Hekman breaks the top 10, again, with an impressive 4th place at the Beaufort Memorial Classic Criterium and regains the lead and bib number 1 entering the Walterboro Criterium.
USA Crit Series team and Mark Hekman continue to roll with another top ten finish in race 2 of the series held in Roswell, Georgia.
"The team is becoming more and more cohesive every day." said Jim Baldesare, former US National Criterium Champion and A&F team veteran. "We did what we were supposed to do and we put Mark in 7th today."
Photo - Marco Aledia and Rich Harper celebrate with
Mark Hekman after the team's and Mark's biggest
victory to date, Athens Twilight.
This now puts Hekman in 2nd overall in the USA Crit Series SE and 1st overall in the more prestigious and inaugural USA Crits Championships Series that leads to the first ever World Criterium Championships, held in Las Vegas, Nevada.
For Cycling News results and story, click here.
4 and counting. Josh England (NZL) just chalked up his amazing 4th consecutive victory in as many entered events in the US. "This marks the most consecutive wins for anyone on our program. We are lucky to have him." Ryan Rish, team VP, said after Josh's latest victory.
Mark Hekman and the USA Crit Series team (Jim Baldesare, Frankie Dierking, Rich Harper, Neil Coleman and Marco Aledia) show the pros who we really are.
Mark lapped the field for the second consecutive NRC race in a row, and takes his lesson learned to the first step on the podium. "I am so excited, this is so huge!", says Hekman to team boss, Chad Thompson, right after the victory.
"This is the biggest, fastest and most publicized criterium in the US, if not the world. With the highest spectator attendance and huge field, this marks the biggest victory ever for both Mark and our program!" states GM, Thompson. "Mark deserves this more than anyone we know, and the team that raced so hard for him deserves it too."
And for those teams thinking of snatching him up . . . DON'T EVEN THINK IT. Mark is here to stay. "We will assure that, one way or another." says the boss. Stay tuned for more information and Athens Twilight photography.
For Cycling News results and story, click here. For Hekman article, click here. Streaming slide show available from OnlineAthens here.
1-2-3. In just his third event in the US, Josh England (NZL) scores third victory, in just two short weeks. The Race at Chase saw Josh close a final 500 meter gap to two escapees to secure another win for the A&F crew. Good job, Josh!
Make that two! Josh England takes his second victory on his second day of racing. This hat trick also helped seal the deal for A&F Pro Development Team veteran, Ryan Gamm, who locked up the overall victory for the OVR road race series as a result. Congrats to both!
Welcome to the US, Josh! Josh England rode his first US road race race to his first victory on American soil yesterday, out-foxing former Jelly Belly Pro Cycling Team veteran, Kirk Albers on the final meters of the uphill finish.
Josh comes from New Zealand and plans to be here for the remainder of the season. This great start should only be a sign of things to come. Keep a lookout for Mr. England in the A&F camo at the Triple Crown, Super-Week and the Tour of Ohio.
Kenda team ad hits stands. ROAD Magazine has Kenda's newest ad on page 75. Get your copy today. See ad here.
The ad will also be featured in coming issues of Bicycling, Road Bike Action and Velo News magazines.
A&F Pro Development Cycling Team's criterium magician has done it again! Mark Hekman found himself initiating a 3 man chase group containing himself and members of the Rite Aide Pro Cycling Team and AEG-Toshiba-JetNetwork Pro Cycling Team while racing our first NRC event of the year in Jacksonville, Florida.
Mark, after being the lone chaser for several laps, was able to join the 3 man break away with his compatriots and made the break 6 strong. The wet and dangerous race saw the 6 man locomotive lap the star-studded field and put Mark in 6th place at the end. Mark was the only "elite" rider in the break, and seems set to be, yet again, the best amateur in the US. Happy Birthday Mark!
Congratulations, Mark, Marco and Rich, for your intense effort in the Jacksonville NRC Cycling Classic! Full results here.
Inferno Racing puts up great fight in defending RHBC title for third consecutive year. The team spent 3 days of racing in South Carolina to defend an overall title won twice (consecutively) by the program.
2005 had placed Bennet van der Genugten in the top spot and 2006 saw Mark Hekman fight for the overall victory. 2007 looked to be much of the same, with Jim Baldesare entering the last day in 2nd place overall before the start of a long and testing 95 mile road race.
"The team rode well together and everyone rode hard for Jim" says Jimmy MacDonald, team youngster and RHBC rider. Jim ended up 4th overall after some crafty work by Jittery Joe's Pro Cycling Team took the other two top contenders to the line just in front of him for the precious points.
"This weekend in April marks the start of our 2007 campaign." states team GM, Chad Thompson. "We could not be any happier with the guys and their unity. Some of these guys still have snow covered training grounds and it does not seem to phase them at all!"
Keep your eyes peeled for the camo clad bunch throughout the year. Be sure to visit often for photos and results as well.
Inferno Racing and its A&F Team in the news. Channel 13 WMAZ, in Macon, Georgia, aired a lengthy story on the team and its sponsor, Wobble-Naught this evening. Click here to view the segment.
Inferno Racing LLC announces the launch of the Inferno Foundation. With so many charitable involvements, the foundation allows full participation under one foundation.
"The charities Inferno will be involved with will remain the same" says Chad Thompson, Inferno's founder. "But, this allows donors to channel their money into one larger effort. A choice of which charity will also remain."
The included charities are:
- Inferno Racing LLC (operations)
- A&F Pro Development Cycling Team
- Lance Armstrong Foundation (LAF)
- A Perfect Day For a Cure
- Inferno's Junior Donation Nation
- Team Type 1 & JDRF
Click here to donate today!
Sneak peek! Check out Kenda Tire's full page tribute to the team.
For your very own copy, you can pick up a June issue of Road Magazine, May issue of Velo News, May issue of Bicycling or the July/August issue of Road Bike Action Magazine. Thank you Kenda!
Another international link added to the A&F Pro Development chain was added today.
Joshua England comes stateside from the New Zealand National Team Development Program and has come recommended by talents such as Greg Henderson (T-Mobile) and Hayden Godfrey. "Josh is 20 years old and adds further depth and talent to the youth development aspect of our program." says team boss, Chad Thompson.
Look for England at the Tour of Ohio and Super-Week this summer. Welcome aboard Josh!
Team A&F takes racing across the [Atlantic Ocean] pond and manages a victory in the UK with British team additive, Neil Coleman.
Neil showed off his urban camo team kit while he took two sixth place finishes in the international events, before eventually getting it right and taking the top spot at he Southern England Circuit League!
The team's Brit is returning state-side on this coming Wednesday to start his work on the team's NRC campaign. Neil's premier US race will be the Jacksonville Cycling Classic held on April 13 and 14, 2007.
Two mid-Westerners take 1, 2 finish is snowy gravel covered road race. Ian Stanford (Winona, MN) and Brandon Gavic (Milwaukee, WI) took the Cycling Update.com Raod Race No. 2 in Des Moines by storm by racing aggressively and working as a team. Good job guys!
The A&F Pro Development Cycling Team scores a major invite to the entire USA Criterium Championship Series!
The team will be competing in the full USA Southeast Criterium Series (a Pro-Am event) and will also have the tremendous honor of participating in the full USA Championship Criterium Series and World Criterium Championship (a Professional US ProTour series). Our team will be one of the very few amateur and semi-pro teams invited to participate.
Our many "thank yous" to Mr. Ravi Rajcoomar and the Swagger Company for extending this invitation and opportunity to shine.
The official 6 man team rosters will be posted in the coming weeks, and the kick-off event will be at Athens Twilight in Athens, GA. See you there!
Inferno Racing LLC chooses to support another charity during 2007 and beyond. While our non-profit company will continue the support of TT1 and its own Junior Donation Nation, we have agreed to a multi-year support program of the Perfect Day for a Cure.
The Perfect Day for a Cure, headed by Ben Araiza of San Jose, CA, is an organization established to raise money for cancer research and survivor support. Company GM and founder, Chad Thompson states "Doing this not only help a life-long friend (Ben Araiza) and the morn the loss of his sister, but also brings us back to donating to the Lance Armstrong Foundation. This is great and we are glad to help."
Event dates and details will be posted here in the very near future. Stay tuned.
5 races bring 2 back-to-back victories in the south for Mark Hekman, several top 10 placings in the northeast and a win for an Inferno Co-founder as well!
The juggernaut trio (Mark Hekman, Andy Applegate and Rich Harper) were the story of the weekend, cleaning up with 2 victories for A&F strongman, Mark Hekman and another podium placing for Applegate. Racing in a strong field in the Knoxville Road Race and Maryville Downtown Criterium (both in Tennessee), the 3 seemed unstoppable.
"We found ourselves fortunate enough to be in the right moves and the even more fortunate situation of dictating them.", said Hekman of the 2 day slug-out. "It was a strong field and we raced so well together! While it may not have been NRC, we are coming."
A very near and dear friend has lost her fight with cancer this week. We all send our condolences and wish the best to the Araiza family during their time of loss.
Inferno will assist Allie's brother, Ben Araiza, with the Perfect Day For a Cure fund raiser in late 2007 in California. All monies raised will be donated to the LAF in Allie's name. Please check back for further information and event dates.
Team Type 1 gets rolling in 2007 with the A&F Pro Development Cycling Team!
Help the A&F team raise both money and awareness for Juvenile Onset Diabetes (Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus). The team strives to assist funding by attending JDRF rides and accepting donations for TT1.
Click to donate and/or purchase TT1 bracelets (just like the team wears!).
To a very special friend and staunch supporter of our program; Get well, Tim Jackson!
The MASI Guy and Masi Bicycle brand manager is our main man, and has fallen ill while also battling simultaneously with major life stressors. We are all wishing Tim a very rapid recovery.
We're ready to go! The 2007 pre-season training camp has just wrapped up for the A&F Pro Development Cycling Team, held in Macon, Georgia.
LH Thomson Company hosted the 16 rider team, its staff and several sponsors for the week long event that saw heavy rain, hot temperatures, heavy winds and hard days in the saddle.
Stay tuned for photos and camp reports.
A&F Pro Development Cycling Team in the news!
Channel 13 WMAZ, Macon's local news leaders, make the team a priority for the news. The story aired this evening (February 22, 2007) at 6:00 PM EST.
WMAZ announced the team's presence in the Macon area for the week, spoke of our charitable efforts and our program goals.
Thank you WMAZ for the exposure and Southern hospitality!
First two races in 2007 see first two victories for A&F Pro Development Team!
While still early in the season, with some nowhere near their first event start, two of the A&F Team's own picked up early season wins.
January 31, 2007 saw Tim Swain capture the very first official top spot at the AGH Computrainer Indoor Winter TT Challenge in Central Ohio, beating out former Jelly Belly Pro Cycling veteran, Kirk Albers by a little over 4 seconds. Great job, Tim.
Team staple, Rich Harper, also logged a win on February 4 for the 2007 program by taking the highest honors at the January Nationals Road Race Classic in Pittsboro, North Carolina.
This marks an awesome start to what is sure to be a benchmark season for the Inferno Racing program.
A special "thank you" to Lake Cycling Shoes for donating shoes to both the A&F Pro Development Cycling Team road and track rosters. Take a look!
A&F Pro Development Cycling Team to compete in track events in 2007!
The A&F Team has added an important element to its program by including the national track scene. The roster will include several current Pro/Elite Team riders, as well as two Track specialists.
2007 Track Team:
- Andy Applegate (USA)
- Bennet van der Genugten (NED)
- Brandon Gavic (USA)
- Chad Thompson (USA)
- Marco Aledia (USA)
- Mario Mazza (AUS)
- Rich Harper (USA)
- Tim Jackson (USA)
"Track racing is the true NASCAR of cycling and has its roots and fan base well established", says team GM, Chad Thompson. "This will allow more exposure for our program and facilitate a more broad charity collection effort from our fans while at the velodromes."
We hope to see Inferno fans at these events throughout 2007. Stay tuned for an official event calendar.
Kool N' Fit jumps on to the A&F Pro Development Cycling Team sponsor roster.
KNF will donate the embrocation needed for professional/elite level athletes. This includes warming/conditioning oil, massage oil, pain relief spray and foot spray for our athletes.
We at Inferno are all looking forward to the leg and foot soothing potions!
Inferno Racing welcomes Jason Brayley, MD. Dr. Brayley becomes A&F Pro Development Cycling Team's new Team Physician.
Jason is currently a Doctor for the US Navy and will be relocating to North East Ohio in the coming months. Jason has committed his time to the team for 2007-2008 and is an avid cyclist himself.
We are all very excited to have both US Military and sport specific knowledge coming to the program. Welcome aboard, Doctor.
New additions to team’s support cast are announced:
Motor Tabs Fluid Replacement System becomes the official electrolyte supplier to the team, and Lake Cycling Shoes has signed on as the sole shoe sponsor. The A&F Pro Development Cycling Team will use Motor Tabs and Lake Shoes exclusively in 2007.
A very special “thank you” to both companies, for coming aboard to contribute to the Inferno Racing program so late in the game.
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