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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.
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.
Well kept secret, 2007 A&F Pro Development Cycling Team uniform unveiled! Take a look.
2007 A&F Pro Development Cycling Team Sponsors and Contributors released!
With many returning and several new supporters for 2007, the A&F Team look forward to exciting season.
A special thank you to the following companies:
- Abercrombie & Fitch
- A2 Coaching
- Bruce Thompson, LLC
- Canari Cyclewear
- Crank Brothers
- First Endurance
- Hed Cycling
- Horizons ISG
- Inno Advanced Car Racks
- Jagwire Cables
- Kenda Tire USA
- Kestrel USA
- LH Thomson Company
- Masi Bicycles
- Matteo Studios
- Mazza Vineyards
- Paceline Products
- ProNet
- Rudy Project
- Selle Italia
- Sigma Sport Germany
- Slipstreamz
- Spinergy
- SRAM
- SRM Training
- Wippermann Chains
- Wobble-Naught Precision Fitting
A&F Pro Development Cycling Team announces 2007 roster. 16 members will compose
the
Pro
and Elite Men's rosters.
- Andy Applegate (USA)
- Bennet van der Genugten (Ned)
- Brandon Gavic (USA)
- Chad Thompson (USA)
- Frankie Dierking (USA)
- Ian Stanford (USA)
- Jim Baldesare (USA)
- Jimmy MacDonald (USA)
- Marco Aledia (USA)
- Mark Hekman (USA)
- Neil Coleman (GBr)
- Rich Harper (USA)
- Ryan Gamm (USA)
- Ryan Rish (USA)
- Shawn Willard (USA)
- Tim Swain (USA)
A&F Pro Development Cycling Team will make the leap in 2007. The A&F team will
be riding on SRAM products for the 2007 NRC series season on both road and Time
Trial bicycles. The team and its riders are very excited to have an opportunity
to ride such a new product and will give it some real race testing throughout
the winter and summer months. Stay tuned for both Force and Rival race-tested testimonials!
Special thanks to Masi Bikes and ROAD
Magazine for the full page ad/tribute in the November/December issue of ROAD
Magazine. Get
a copy and turn to page 85
for the real life size of the below Masi ad!
Mark Hekman is awarded annual rider award by A&F Elite Cycling Team. While
at Interbike, Mark Hekman was presented with a poster-sized metal plaque (compliments
of Horizons ISG in
Cleveland, Ohio), a bottle of wine with a very special Mark Hekman victory salute
label (compliments
of Mazza Vineyards)
and a year-end performance
award.
"Mark was not only the highest ranked criterium rider in the U.S. until
his injury,
but a true staple and natural leader of the team", states team GM, Chad
Thompson. "In fact, most of the guys planned their schedules around races
Mark attended, just to race and hang out with him. We put this award to vote
and he won it unanimously!" Thank you, Mark, for your selfless dedication
and unbelievable race record.
Be sure to check back frequently to check on Mark's status and results, as he
has signed on for another year of competition with the A&F Pro Development
Cycling
Team in 2007!
Congratulations, Mark.
Interbike was a huge success for the A&F Cycling Team. With the team's
new name, A&F Pro Development Cycling Team, and attendees, Inferno's top
program left the show feeling good about themselves, their gracious sponsors
and the new 2007 racing season that lies ahead.
Members in attendance were Chad Thompson (GM), Bruce Thompson (Co-founder),
Matt Olson (Creative Director) and Mark Hekman (Team athlete). The guys hit
the show with a purpose and still found time to chat with everyone. A&F's
outstanding 2006 campaign was evident as some companies were actually asking
for us to meet and form new relationships.
While at the convention, the team found time to hang with team sponsor and
backer, Masi Bikes and their front man, MasiGuy (Tim Jackson. See below photo),
who is largely responsible for the teams 2006 success and exposure, as well
as many other current and new company representatives. The team could not be
more thankful or excited for the year to come. Stay tuned for a news release
containing all our new and returning supporters. Thank you to all at Interbike,
and here's to a very successful 2007 campaign with you
ABERCROMBIE'S
TEAM STILL NO. 1!
The team has held on to many impressive individual rankings as well as maintaining
the top team honors in the country for 2006.
Andy Applegate still sits atop the US rankings as the fastest man against the
clock in the Individual Time Trial by many points and will retire the season
in the coveted ranking for the second year in a row.
Rich Harper has managed to keep himself placed among the top 5 men in the country
at Stage Racing by sitting in fourth.
Mark Hekman held down the No. 1 Mens Criterium ranking until his unfortunate
injury took place (see September 7 and September 11, 2006 news blurbs). Mark
held this ranking throughout the season and must now relinquish the throne to
those still racing. He vows to return in 2007 with a heavy and full Criterium
calendar to
grab the spot he has worked so hard for.
Here is to a job well done by the Abercrombie & Fitch Cycling Team presented
by Inferno in 2006. Stay tuned for an even better campaign in 2007!
Graham Howard ends up as top youth at Univest Grand Prix! With his spectacular
Stage 1 ride, Graham was the youngest finisher in the top 20 and wound up with
the highest youngster honors overall while proudly wearing Team A&F's colors.
Good job and thank you, Graham.
HECKMAN OUT FOR
REST OF SEASON!
A&F Elite Cycling Team's Captain, Mark
Hekman, has unfortunately received some bad
news. After his follow-up visit for a wrist
injury received last week
(see September 7, 2006 news blurb), doctors have discovered a serious set of
fractures to both the Radius and Ulna bones in his right wrist. The fractures
are such that movement is inhibiting proper blood flow and causing bone degeneration.
As a result, Mark has been placed in a full cast up to his shoulder for a minimum
of 12 weeks!
Hekman is not only losing the last few weeks of his road season, but has to sit
by and watch his No. 1 Mens Criterium ranking vanish and must also sit out most
of the cycle-cross season, too. Always the optimist, Mark sees this as a time
to rest and prepare for a more successful and prosperous 2007 racing season.
This is exactly why Mark has been re-signed to the program for 2007. Get well
soon, Mark!
Graham Howard was the highest U23 finisher on Univest
Grand Prix's challenging day 1 Road Race. While arriving
in 12th place on the day, Graham was the first
rider under 23 years of age (U23) to cross the line, setting himself up nicely
for A&F to potentially grab the best young rider award. With A&F's hard
working crew, it just might happen. Good luck, Graham!
HURRICANE FLORENCE
CUTS BERMUDA GRAND PRIX IN HALF - A&F NABS
4TH OVERALL!
Hurricane Florence was bound to cause trouble
for the CD&P Bermuda Grand
Prix at some point, and that point came on Friday afternoon when race organizers
announced
the remaining 2 of 4 events would be cancelled and the GC would be determined
by the first 2 events. Race organizers also urged teams and staff to evacuate
the beautiful island on Saturday if possible.
Scottie Weiss had an amazing ride on stage 1 - Hamilton Downtown Criterium
by placing 4th in the stage and setting himself to move up with the remaining
stages.
Due to Hurricane Florence, he would only have one chance to do just that. Stage
2 was a short but grueling 1.5 Km hill climb sprint that saw Scottie with an
11th place on the day and a 4th place overall. The team was confident that
if the remaining stages were to be held, that Scottie and A&F could have
furthered their successes. Excellent effort and a great result in one of the
best closing
races of the year.
Up and comer, Graham Howard, of the Priority Health Elite Cycling Team will
fill Mark Hekman's shoes at Univest Grand Prix. While the team was not planning
on any guest riders for the event, crashes and illness has put the team in
a pinch. We thank Graham for helping us out and are honored to have him aboard
for what will prove to be the year's toughest event. Good luck, Graham.
Crashes, crashes and more crashes. Team leader, Mark Hekman, has unfortunately
had a training accident just prior to the start of Univest Grand Prix. Mark
hit a dog during a training ride yesterday and as a result has damaged his
right wrist - the dog is okay. As a result, Mark will not be able to race the
long awaited Univest event. Get well soon, Mark!
One of cycling's best athletes to join Team A&F's
Bermuda Grand Prix roster. Scottie Weiss (Hincapie -
Bianchi) is set to ride with A&F in hopes of a
high GC result for the team. While a large portion
of the
team will be splitting race duties at Univest Grand
Prix in Pennsylvania on the very same weekend, the
team
is going into Bermuda with a victory in mind. Stay
tuned for the results!
ANDY APPLEGATE 5TH IN
THE WORLD, DESPITE SOME BAD LUCK!
A spot of bad luck continued for A&F's team when
Andy Applegate awoke in Austria on the A.M. of his scheduled
World Championship Time Trial start. Andy was ready
to beat the world, only to find out that all of his
equipment was stolen, including his time trial bike
and wheel sets!
With very few hours to spare, Andy managed to borrow
a bike and defiantly show to his slated start. Needles
to say, an improper fit on the machine did not bode
well for his comfort and the bike's shifting mechanisms
did not function at all. While most athletes would have
called it quits, Andy persevered and rode his way to
5th place and a podium placing. He only lost the victory
by a narrow margin of 32 seconds! We all feel for Andy
and believe he was robbed of more than just an expensive
machine, but the World Championship Rainbow Jersey as
well. A job well done nonetheless, Andy!
Abercrombie & Fitch Elite Cycling Team presented
by Inferno accepts invitation to the 2nd annual Tour
De Leelanau and adds the event to its late race calendar.
See you there.
A disaster riddled weekend for Abercrombie's team
at the 2006 US Elite National Criterium Championships
still places 3 riders in the top 15!
Day 1 saw many crashes including a final lap crash involving
rider/director Chad Thompson, Abe McNutt and Todd Shaker.
Chad was lining up for the win when a crash on the descent
took 12 riders to the pavement. Chad received 2 fractured
vertebrae and a bruised ego and was on the start line
for day 2 and the Elite National Championship event.
The second day's Elite Men's National field was riddled
with crashes as well, seeing Chad involved in yet 4
more blunders and Tim Swain found himself off the bike
twice as well. Despite the bad luck, A&F's top riders
Mark Hekman, Marco Aledia and Rich Harper were set up
perfectly and lead into the final turns. Unfortunately,
some crafty riders snuck inside the final turn and spoiled
the hard fought battle. The determined A&F riders
still sprinted it out and placed all 3 in the top 15
placings - more than any other team!
ABERCROMBIE & FITCH
CONTINUES INVOLVEMENT WITH INFERNO RACING!
Our current title sponsor signed on for another year
of support today as the 2007 Presenting Sponsor. While
the team will still be searching for an official Title
Sponsor for 2007, be assured the current program will
only continue its successes in 07 with A&F. Thank
you Abercrombie!
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