December 24, 2008
KPC accepts invite to the grueling Tour of the Battenkill. With the acceptance of the invitation, the event marks the team's new kick-off event for 2009.
The two day event is still in the process of gaining UCI US ProTour status and Sunday's Invitational course features 124 miles of dirt roads, pave and undulating terrain. We can't wait!
December 20, 2008
Kenda Pro Cycling presented by Spinergy has added a new sponsor! Inferno welcomes Vetta, as they will be the official cycle-computer and HRM supplier to the program for 3 years, and hopefully beyond!
The team will be utilizing the VL100 series and RT200 series cycle-computers, as well as CycloWatch Pro heart rate monitors. Be sure to stop an athlete and ask what they think!
December 01, 2008
Finalized! Kenda Pro Cycling presented by Spinergy has completed all the required paperwork, passed the audit process and shelled out the monies to become a UCI Continental team for 2009.
Thirteen teams have been accepted and Inferno's pro team is one of the them. Be sure to follow the US professional Continental Circuit throughout 2009 and follow your favorite Kenda Pro Cycling rider!
December 01, 2008
Kenda Pro Cycling presented by Spinergy has released it's 2009 cast of sponsors and supporters. A special thank you to the backers, believers and suppliers that make this program tick.
2009 Sponsors:
- AlphaQ
- AltoLab
- Asheville VeloSports
- Bonk Protection
- Bonk Breaker Inc.
- Bruce Thompson LLC
- Caribou
- Feather Brakes
- Fluid
- Hincapie Sportswear
- Inno Advanced Car Racks
- Jagwire
- Kenda
- Kore
- Lake Shoes
- LH Thomson Co.
- Look
- Masi Bicycles
- MATTEO Studios
- Mazza Vineyards
- Motor Tabs
- Paceline Products
- Qoleum
- ROAD Magazine
- Rudy Project
- SDG USA
- Skins
- SockGuy
- Spinergy
- SRAM Corporation
- Travelers Insurance
- TruTrainer
- Wheeltags
- Wippermann Chains
- Wobble-Naught Precision Fitting
November 15, 2008
With the release of the 2009 USA Cycling Professional Tour calendar being released, some adjustments have been made to Kenda Pro Cycling presented by Spinergy's plans.
Most notably, the team will contest the resurrected US Open of Cycling and the Tour of Missouri. The surprise announcement of the Tour de Georgia's cancellation now brings the team to its replacement, the Tour of New York. The team is excited to race a full NRC and Pro Tour schedule in 2009, and you can follow their every move right here!
November 7, 2008
LOOK! Look, the company, based in Reno, NV, has become the new official pedal of Kenda Pro Cycling presented by Spinergy.
The Look KeO Carbon Ti pedals will grace the already feather-weight Masi 3VC Team Issue and Coltello Aero machines of Kenda Pro Cycling's armada. Thank you, Look! Find dealers and details lookcycle.com.
October 30, 2008
UNVEILED! The long awaited Kenda Pro Cycling presented by Spinergy jersey design has been released.
A special thank you to Scottie Weiss of Hincapie Sports, Matt Olson of MATTEO Studios, Chad Thompson of Inferno Racing, and of course, Rich Hincapie himself, for what will surely be the coolest kit in the peloton!
October 28, 2008
Kenda Pro Cycling is proud to announce a new long-term partnership with fine quality sportswear manufacturer, Hincapie Sports! The signing of Hincapie to Inferno has brought the team the highest quality clothing, a sound partnership and some unique associations.
Along with being the official clothing supplier to Kenda Pro Cycling, Hincapie Development Cycling, a team funded by Hincapie Sports, has become Kenda Pro Cycling's official "feeder" team for 2009 and 2010. The Development Team includes mentors, U23 National Team riders and juniors. These riders will be honed and passed on the the professional team as they progress.
Be sure to stay up-to-date with both teams, as many races will see Hincapie Development riders don Kenda Pro gear for specified events throughout 2009!
October 16, 2008
Following the recent announcement of Team Inferno developing into Kenda Pro Cycling presented by Spinergy for the 2009 season, two more exciting additions have also been added to the team: U25 cycling sensation Jonathan Parrish, and new sponsor Travelers Insurance.
Graduating from his 2008 U23 program, Parrish has been added to the professional roster of Kenda Pro Cycling presented by Spinergy. Parrish’s addition reunites him with Cycling Center alumni, Jacob Rytlewski, Jaime Gandara and Bennet van der Genugten, who raced along side Parrish in Belgium in 2004. Gandara stated, “We are all extremely fortunate to have him on board as we have now gained a loyal, talented, hard working, and extremely enthusiastic teammate.”
Travelers Insurance joins Kenda Pro Cycling’s cast of sponsors. Travelers Insurance specializes in property and casualty insurance and is on the Fortune 500 list of largest US companies as a writer of commercial, auto, and homeowner insurance.
October 4, 2008
KENDA PRO CYCLING presented by SPINERGY 2009 ROSTERS RELEASED! 2009 brings a unique pro team to the American Cycling Scene: a purely industry-supported and American-driven professional team. This means not only a 100% American roster, but all staff are US citizens as well.
UCI Continental Pro Roster:
- Chad Burdzilauskas
- Jaime Gandara
- Bennet van der Genugten
- Remi McManus
- Jonathan Parrish*
- Benjamin Renkema
- Jacob Rytlewski
- Tyler Stanfield
- Timothy Swain
- Scottie Weiss
- Matthew Winstead
* Added after this official release.
USAC Elite Roster:
- Marco Aledia
- James Baldesare
- Jeffrey Braumberger
- Ryan Gamm
- Richard Harper
- Ryan Rish
- Russell Stevenson
- Chadwick Thompson
October 1, 2008
Spinergy joins industry driven, American only pro team idea. Spinergy has signed on as the team's new co-sponsor, making the team formerly known as Team Inferno, Kenda Pro Cycling p/b Spinergy!
The team is now even more comfortably funded and aims for major US tours and American classics. The roster has been finalized and will be released very soon. So, keep your eyes peeled!
September 30, 2008
THE RETIREMENT OF A ROCKSTAR. After 8 consecutive years of professional racing in the U.S., Australian Jeff Hopkins has called it quits. A former Junior World Track Champion and ever-feared road sprint ace, Hopkins has earned countless victories in his career and has become a true ambassador for the sport. We are honored that after many years in the Jittery Joe's outfit, that Jeff had chosen to finish his career in the red and black pinstripes of Inferno.
"He taught everyone here a lot. A lot about sprinting. A lot about professionalism. A lot about being a true team player and an all around cool cat." says team boss, Chad Thompson. "Everyone here cherished his skill and more importantly, his friendship."
"I am stoked that I got to be a teammate of Hoppy's for his first and his final seasons in the US." claims team co-captain, Marco Aledia. "We have a memorable history together and man, I sure will miss that dude."
Jeff is not leaving the industry entirely, though. He has accepted a position at the velodrome in Atlanta, GA, near his residence in Decatur. He plans to head up operations at the track, while his newly wedded wife, Leah, races a final season as one of Team Vanderkitten's kitties.
Photo Credit - M@ Records/Tara Aledia
Jeff concluded his pedal pushing at the pro level in Las Vegas and was treated to a little team bubbly, provided by Inferno supporter, Mazza Vineyards. Here's to you Hoppy, you taught us so much and you are simply the bomb!
September 26, 2008
INFERNO WINS BIG IN VEGAS! Today, at the Sands Convention Center in the Venetian Casino, Inferno has agreed to a new name and new title sponsor for 2009 and beyond. Long time team sponsor and tire supplier, Kenda, has opted to utilize the program for product testing, development and advertising power!
2009 will see Team Inferno Pro Cycling become Kenda Pro Cycling, A division 3 UCI professional team. Another partnership is set to be released in the near future and excitement is high at Inferno Racing LLC.
"It makes great sense!" said team GM, Chad Thompson, of the partnership. "Kenda is based in the same city as our base operations. They make simply the best clincher tires available and have long committed themselves to our program. When approached by Kenda, we were very optimistic and today it became a reality. Thank you Kenda!"
The nearing weeks will see the press releases announcing further partnerships, official team suppliers and the full 2009 roster.
September 23, 2008
ROCKIN' LAS VEGAS! The men in stripes will hit their final road event of 2008 with guns-a-blazin' at the USA Crits Finals this coming Thursday evening at Mandalay Bay. The team has had a struggle all year trying to keep team captain, Jeff Hopkins, on the leader board. Hopkins led much of the first half of the USA Crits Series, but found much misfortune and 3 missed events send him out of the top 10. Persistent riding and tremendous support have landed both Jeff in the top 10 again, and the team in the hunt for the team classification podium!
Inferno also has big plans for Interbike during the very same week as well. The program has big news and an impressive line-up for 2009, but will not unveil the information until shortly after the week-long event. So, stay tuned, and burn, baby burn!
September 15, 2008
Team Co-Captain and new team assistant manager, Remi McManus, is finally back in form after a season riddled with odd illness! Remi experienced a crippling bout of shingles twice this season, as well as dealt with the affects of the ensuing neuralgia that follows. McManus remained vigilant and slaved for his teammates every race until his body no longer allowed pressure on the pedals.
Remi proved this to all be behind him at the recent San Francisco Twilight Criterium, being named the most aggressive rider and earning his 1st top 20 NRC placement of the year. McManus was present in every break during the grueling race and was pinched in the final corner, costing him the result he had hoped for. Nonetheless, he is back!
September 8, 2008
Inferno slaps down impressive performance at Univest Grand Prix Road Race. A strong roster headed to the UCI event with high hopes, and once again, Matt Winstead did not disappoint.
Matt, in his first year at the professional level, made the days final break of 8 riders in tropical storm weather. Under siege from both rain-slopped wind and a heavy contingent of Garmin-Chipotle riders on the attack, Winstead rod in front of the main field for the race's entirety and fell victim to the pace with only 3 circuits remaining. Matt still held of the remaining of the main field for an impressive top 20 result!
Matt's consistent present in every break-away and countless podium placings have attracted the attention of many pro teams, but Matt has opted to sign on for another year with Inferno for 2009. Keep if your eyes peeled for him in 09'!
August 18, 2008
OH SO CLOSE! The team's fourth attempt at the elusive stars and stripes brings both elation and disappointment.
Marco Aledia and Matt Winstead both appeared on the US Men's Elite Criterium Championship podium. They would stand on the 2nd and 5th steps, respectively. While Marco was oh so close, it does mark the team's best performance at the Downers event to date.
Marco Aledia ; Photo - Mark Zalewski
"It is so frustrating to be that close! I had perfect legs and got gapped prior to the last corner, and had to try to close the gap to [Kevin] Hanson, who's Giant Strawberry team drove a flawless lead-out." sighed the team's only US sprint ace, Aledia. "The guys did a perfect job for me and we almost did it."
The Professional event had a great showing by the men in stripes as well, with Hayden Godfrey and Joe Cooper driving a breakaway that stayed away for most of the race. Godfrey decided to collect the mid-race prime, and did so with ease. While the break was eventually doomed, Team Inferno animated a well contested race, and gave sponsors twice the bang for their buck by being in both high caliber events.
August 10, 2008
Team Inferno Pro Cycling announces split rosters for both US Men's Elite and US Men's Pro Criterium Championships, to take place in Downers Grove, IL this coming weekend.
The events will see 5 participants in each event on Sunday, and all 10 will race the Pro-Am challenge the prior evening as a warm-up for the Stars and Stripes goal.
US Men's Elite Criterium Championship:
- Marco Aledia (USA)
- Jim Baldesare (USA)
- Bennet van der Genugten (USA)
- Rich Harper (USA)
- Matt Winstead (USA)
US Men's Pro Criterium Championship:
- Joe Cooper (NZL)
- Josh England (NZL)
- Jeff Hopkins (AUS)
- Jaime Gandara (MEX)
- Hayden Godfrey (NZL)
August 5, 2008
More craziness and misfortune for the men in stripes at the Alexian Brothers' Tour of Elk Grove! A missed turn during Prologue event dashes Godfrey's hope of victory and places weight on co-leader, Matt Winstead.
Tim Swain; Photo - Mark Zalewski
The Stage 1 road race, showed major promise for Inferno, as they fought hard top place 3 representatives in the days winning 13 man break-away until Kelly Benefit's Alex Candelario crashed in the final 1000 meters, bringing all 3 Inferno riders to the floor, in addition to Astana's Chris Horner, who broke his collar-bone as a result. "Such a shame!" declares Godfrey. "We had a great spot and good legs. I know we would have been on the podium!"
The final stage was Godfrey's territory, as he has one the large mid-race prime every time entered. The day would be no different with Hayden grabbing the prize and placing his teammates at the top to keep Matt Winstead in the top 20 overall. After all of the hard knocks, Winstead continued to show his natural ability and place 14th overall.
August 4, 2008
USA Crits Update: Another race down and more misfortune for the team at the Presbyterian Invitational. With a strong support team racing for one "Lightning" Jeff Hopkins, the hopes were high to step back into a podium placing. A grueling pace with only 41 finishers finish on the lead lap.
Lightning Jeff Hopkins; Photo - Emory Ball
An opportunistic break was missed by the team (who were in all of the previous moves) lingered at 8 seconds for many laps until mishaps saw it grow to an insurmountable gap. A hard charging work horse, Jim Baldesare, did all he could to bring it back for Inferno's sprint ace with no luck. Jeff maintains 6th overall currently and still aims for the podium as the series moves to Binghamton, NY.
July 27, 2008
Our well wishes to team GM, Chad Thompson and his family. The team's boss and founder wound up in the hospital on July 24th after feeling "odd". Upon his entry to the ER, it was determined he had an Arrhythmia and was transported via MedFlight to a larger facility where he spent 2 evenings in the cardiac unit.
The doctors (including world renowned Cleveland Clinic cardiologists) have since cleared Chad to return to both firefighting and racing later this week. "While scary, it does appear to be isolated." says the boss. "It puts things in perspective, but I am glad to be back to my family, work and the team!"
July 15, 2008
USA Crits Update: While Hopkins continues streak of bad luck, the team remains confident in their all-star sprint ace and others rise to occasion to keep the stripes in overall title hunt.
"Lightning" Jeff Hopkins started the series masterfully, but has seen 4 consecutive races of mishap, injury and fatigue. "I am hoping to not relive that rough patch again." says the long-haired team captain, "But, there are still quite a few race days left. I feel better and the team is riding great. We will get it back, eh."
During the misfortune of the team's stand-out criterium leader, many of the team's talented lieutenants have made headway of their own in efforts to fly the team's flag proudly. Jaime Gandara was on fire at Tulsa Tough and most recently, Bennet van der Genugten finished 8th at the Iron Hill Twilight event that only saw 33 finish the grueling race.
The team's next stop will be the Wells Fargo Boise Twilight Criterium, July 19th. "We will cause some damage hear!" claims Boise resident and team co-captain, Remi McManus. "The boys are on fire and we are hungry for our rightful position in the series."
For current standings and event results, please visit USACrits.com.
June 30, 2008
Team Inferno continues roll in major Ohio races with victory at the grueling Tour de Grandview Circuit Race! This race, normally dominated by regional power-house, Texas Roadhouse, brought Hayden Godfrey his second road victory on US soil for 2008.
Photo credit - Blair Fraley
Godfrey with teammates, Jim Baldesare and Josh England, made the race winning break of 8 riders that eventually set up Team Inferno Pro Cycling for another major regional win. With great teams by the likes of DLP Pro Cycling, Time Pro Cycling and Texas Roadhouse, to name a few, the top spot did not come easily.
"The team was smart and efficient." boasts team assistant DS, Todd Lee. "They really communicated well, and it showed all day!" Team co-captain, Jim Baldesare (who took fifth on the day and second the previous) agreed, "The guys were amped. We just rode a smart and leg-burning race. We deserved the win."
June 28, 2008
Current UCI World Track Omnium Champion, Hayden Godfrey, and Inferno's Track contingent start up season with the US Open Omnium, held at Trexlertown!
Photo credit - Todd Leister/Leister Images
Making his first appearance on a US track in over 2 years, and the first event to don his recently earned World Champion stripes, Hayden was victorious in the 10 Km event and took second overall in the omnium with the aid of his track allies, Josh England, Mario Mazza and Bennet van der Genugten.
June 23, 2008
Race 4 of the USA Crits Series, the AT&T Downtown Austin Criterium did not go as planned for the pin-striped clan. An oh-so-consistent, "Lightning" Jeff Hopkins found the pressures of mishap and poor luck a recipe for temporary demise. Jeff now sits in 3rd overall in a series he has led for 4 events.
"The lead is minimal and the team rode well. It was just an off-day, following an off-week." states Hopkins. "You cannot be 100% all of the time, no matter how hard you try to be. Iron Hill will show our cards when we are at full [8 rider] strength. We will see what unfolds then."
June 22, 2008
Make it two! At the conclusion of the 2008 edition of the Tour of Ohio, Team Inferno Pro Cycling found themselves victorious for the second consecutive year. And again, the team swept all of the four available jerseys (Leader, KOM, Points and Best Young Rider)!
Photo credit - Greg Sailor/www.gregsailor.com
The 8 man team rode flawlessly each day and delivered Matt Winstead to the overall victory. "This has been my primary goal all year! I wanted to avenge losing to y'all last year (laughter). So, if you can't beat 'em, join 'em!" stated the elated Winstead. Along the way, Matt claimed a stage victory (stage 3), as did team captain, Hayden Godfrey (stage 4). The hard work allowed all four jerseys to be donned by Inferno at the final stages completion.
The Champion Systems Tour of Ohio Jerseys are as follows:
- Matt Winstead, Yellow/Winner
- Joe Cooper, Polka-Dot/KOM
- Marco Aledia, Green/Points Winner
- Bennet van der Genugten, Maroon/Best Young Rider.
Congratulations to all eight athletes and four staff members that make our lives grand at moments like these!
June 16, 2008
Still at the helm. Another chapter of the USA Crits Series has come to a close and team captain, Jeff Hopkins, still maintains the overall lead. The Harlem Skyscraper classic has been conquered on two other occasions by "Lightning" Jeff Hopkins, and he aimed for a third. The team was headed to Harlem with momentum and plans.
Photo credit - USA Crits Series/Swagger.US
An accident earlier in the week rendered the team transport truck totaled by a deer, leaving impossible last minute travel dilemmas for the team for both Skyscraper and Philly week! As a result, only two would take the line in the form of Jeff Hopkins (who faced a series of cancelled flights, arriving only hours prior to the start) and the always faithful Jim Baldesare.
"I was drained from the chaos of the days leading here, but Jim helped quite a bit and I managed to get in the points and keep the hat (leaders jersey)." says Hopkins. A hard-charging Rock Racing brought Rashaan Bahati to a podium finish, where he now lurks in second overall by a 91 point deficit to Jeff. Next stop? AT&T Austin Twilight Criterium.
June 3, 2008
Back in the driver's seat! After a truly impressive and consistent weekend at Tulsa Tough Omnium, Team Inferno Pro Cycling has put Jeff Hopkins in the USA Crits Series overall leader's jersey. This is not unfamiliar territory for the team, and Inferno is both motivated and dedicated to maintaining his lead, as well as attempt to capture the USA Crits Team Competition prize as well. Next up for the series is Harlem Skyscraper Classic on Father's Day.
Local racing is feeling the brunt of Inferno's roster, too, with 2 consecutive days of podium sweeps! Day 1 found Jim Baldesare taking the top spot, followed by Kiwis Josh England and Hayden Godfrey at the Garrett Wonders Memorial Criterium in Westerville, Ohio. The second day (Rocky Boots Starbrick Criterium) was much the same, with new comer, Joe Cooper (New Zealand) time trialing solo to lap the field twice and take the victory. wrapping up the final podium availabilities were fellow Kiwi, Hayden Godfrey and Ohio's own Tim Swain. Great work guys!
May 29, 2008
We're Rollin! Following 2 solid performances in Baltimore and Somerville, Inferno ends the week-long NRC campaign with another podium finish! 'Lightning" Jeff Hopkins was narrowly inched out by Toyota-United's Dominique Rollin for the victory and had to settle for 2nd.
Photo credit - Kurt Jambretz/Action Images
Hopkins, who admits to "Not quite being in form yet." is on a very consistent roll, that many are calling a come-back. Jeff heads with the team to Tulsa Tough for more NRC action and the 2nd leg of the USA Crits Series this coming weekend. Stay tuned!
May 27, 2008
We're coming! The conclusion of this year's Tour of Somerville gave Team Inferno Pro Cycling an opportunity to showcase a sample of things to come for the remainder of 2008. With 5 laps remaining, Inferno drilled the field with a 6 man lead-out train for Hopkins. Things did go haywire with a small crash and Crit super-team, Colavita/Sutter Home, took over for the final lap. While losing a couple of riders and re-organizing, current UCI world track champ, Hayden Godfrey, held on for his first 2008 NRC top 5 since his return to the US last week.
Photo credit - epicimages.us
"The race was crazy. We had it under control, but it got a bit out of hand. I was able to sneak in for fourth, and the team displayed incredible unity today." clamed Godfrey. A job well done for Inferno. Next up is Ricola Criterium, to be held tomorrow evening. Stay tuned for results.
May 26, 2008
Leelanau proves grueling for pin-striped team. The 109 mile Tour de Leelanau brought more frustration to Team Inferno's America's ProTour campaign. More illness and injury, plus a call-up from the U23 National Team (Christian Parrett) narrowed the team's initial 8 rider list to just 5 starters.
All 5 riders saw the course as a compliment to their talents, as it served the pure climber well. A large break missed by the team set the tempo for the day, though, that ended up with the team ultimately missing out of the top 25 spots. "It's unfortunate. The guys were ready and wanted to avenge the USAF disaster." says team GM, Thompson, "They all rode well and for each other, but in the end, we missed the moves we should have been with. We have no one to blame but ourselves. They guys did ride above expectations, though. 4 of the 5 finished the day and never quit. We will have our day in the ProTour yet, we promise."
Team Inferno has several other America's ProTour invitations on the table and will attend each and every one extended to them. "The ProTour is important to us." claims team GM, Thompson, "We are making significant strides to bring this program to the forefront of US Cycling. We are young and patient, yet we have a lot to prove!"
May 8, 2008
USA Crits success and ProTour disappointment for Team Inferno. The USA Crits Speed Week Series wrapped up this passed Sunday and found "Lightning" Jeff Hopkins on the Men's overall podium. While not the top step the team hunted for all week, a string of consistent top 5 finishes for Jeff granted him a spot on the box with the narrowest of margins separating all three podium finishers. "We did the best we could with what we had." states Hopkins, "We were short handed going into the last events with illness, injuries and riders going to the USAF race. We got the job done nonetheless." Great job, Jeff!
Photo credit - USA Crits/Swagger
The team's inaugural America's ProTour event did not emulate the Crits Series, though. A tough squad lined up for Inferno with hopes of showing their grit to the ProTour organizers. The team, like many others, suffered blow after blow throughout the speedy 106 mile day. All 3 team leaders for the event flatted out, with two of them doing so on the first lap. "It was rough." claims team DS and GM, Chad Thompson, "We lost 2 of our 3 hitters right off the bat with mechanicals and another 2 laps later! Our high hopes washed away with the gravel on the course!" The day saw only Tim Swain finish with the select 30 finishers of the 150 plus starters. "We will have better luck and a better showing next time!"
April 28, 2008
We have lift off! The 2008 USA Crits Series and USA Crits Speed Week Series got under way last night with the 29th edition of the Athens Twilight Criterium in Athens, GA.
The team aims to defend its Speed Week title (won last year by Mark Hekman while riding for Inferno's program) and pursue the national series as well, lost after an unfortunate crash to then team leader, Mark Hekman. The untimely crash saw the team lose the lead in 2 of the 4 competitions that seemed a lock throughout the season!
Photo credit - epicimages.us
Team Inferno starts this year's edition with much of the same hunger that launched our team into the spot light in 2007. Bennet van der Genugten rocked a phenomenal ITT CompuTrainer effort on Friday's qualifier for 6th and set the tone for the pin-striped posse.
Athens did not disappoint with the country's top sprinters coming to the line for the win. While Rock Racing's Rahssan Bahati scored the victory, a photo finish for the next 7 spots saw Jeff Hopkins taking 5th place on the line behind Haedo and a hard charging Kevin Lancombe of Kelly Benefit Strategies/Medifast. The team placed 4 riders in the top paying spots as well, hopefully placing Team Inferno Pro Cycling as the team competition leaders . . . here we go again!
April 21, 2008
Make it 2! Josh England has done it again, by winning his second US race in as many entered on consecutive days. Unbelievable.
Both Kiwi sensations, Josh England and Joe Cooper found themselves in the top 5 today after a flawless day of teamwork and selfless efforts by Cooper and Aledia at the Tour of Gettysburg, in Gettysburg, Ohio.
Next up for Josh is the USA Crits Speed Week Series, and Joe can be found at RATL and the US Air Force Cycling Classic in the coming weeks. Good job, lads!
April 20, 2008
Repeat offender! Josh England has done it again, by winning his first race entered shortly after arriving to the United States.
As he did in 2007, England has flown from his home country of New Zealand, organized himself at the team house, acclimated and started tallying the victories.
In a field boasting current National Elite Road Race Champion, Paul Martin, Kirk Albers, a very strong RGF team and even members from Team Type 1, England was the stand out talent on the day. The final break of the race saw Josh out numbered with teammates Martin and Albers, RGF members Jeremy Grimm and Stefan Kadar, and one isolated Kiwi (Josh). Despite the odds, Josh responded to all attacks and sprinted to the top spot. Great job, Josh!
April 17, 2008
More roster adjustments for April. A severe illness has attacked Team Co-Captain, Remi McManus. Though Remi is doing fine and on the road to recovery, it has quashed all of his hard off-season work and set him back for a month. As a result, both the US Air Force Cycling Classic and USA Crits Speed Week Series rosters have seen adjustment.
Revised USA Crits Speed Week Roster:
- Marco Aledia (USA)
- Jim Baldesare (USA)
- Josh England (NZL)
- Jaime Gandara (MEX)
- Bennet van der Genugten (USA)
- Rich Harper (USA)
- Jeff Hopkins (AUS)
- Matt Winstead (USA)
Revised US Air Force Cycling Classic Roster:
- Andy Applegate (USA)
- Joe Cooper (NZL)
- Ryan Gamm (USA)
- Jaime Gandara (MEX)
- Hayden Godfrey (NZL)
- Christian Parrett (USA)
- Tim Swain (USA)
- Matt Winstead (USA)
April 16, 2008
Congratulations to Jeff Hopkins and Leigh Valetti on their recent engagement! She actually said "yes" to the wacky Australian. They plan to wed later in 2008 and currently reside in Decatur, GA.
Keep your eyes peeled for the couple at races across the US, as Leigh is also a top-level competitive cyclist, riding for Team Vanderkitten. Meow. Be sure to say hi and congrats when you spot them.
April 14, 2008
Team Inferno Pro Cycling names USA Crits Speed Week roster. With the task of defending the program's overall 2007 title, Inferno held no punches with team selection for the event. "This is big for us." says team boss, Thompson. "It marks our first big 2008 event with the cancellation of Jacksonville and our withdrawal from Sea Otter. It also is what this team is all about: Crits, baby!"
Photo credit - Grant Blankenship
2008 USA Crits Speed Week Roster:
- Marco Aledia (USA)
- Jim Baldesare (USA)
- Josh England (NZL)
- Bennet van der Genugten (USA)
- Rich Harper (USA)
- Jeff Hopkins (AUS)
- Remi McManus (USA)
- Matt Winstead (USA)
April 3, 2008
More ProTour racing for Team Inferno Pro Cycling! Arlington Sports, Inc. has confirmed the team's place for the inaugural US Air Force Cycling Classic, a UCI America ProTour event.
US Air Force Cycling Classic Roster:
- Andy Applegate (USA)
- Joe Cooper (NZL)
- Ryan Gamm (USA)
- Jaime Gandara (MEX)
- Hayden Godfrey (NZL)
- Christian Parrett (USA)
- Tim Swain (USA)
March 30, 2008
MORE STRIPES! With new set of New Zealand National Championship stripes earned just weeks ago in the Elite Men's Track Omnium Championship, Hayden Godfrey has added a significant number of colors and stripes to his collection by winning the UCI World Championship for the same event!
"We are all so freaking excited at Inferno!" raves team management. "We have too many former world and national champions to count, but only two others to earn championships while actively on our roster. A world title is not only exciting, but a first for us!" Congratulations, Hayden!
For related stories, click here and here.
March 19, 2008
With the announcement of the USA Crits Speed Week Series, Team Inferno Pro Cycling adjusts calendar. As the season is just barely starting, Inferno has had to make some changes, as both the Speed Week and USA Crits National Series remain the team's focus.
Most notably are the moving of Sea Otter Classic to "tentative" and the Sunny King and Nalley Roswell Criteriums removal from the initial plan. "We still hope to attend these fine events, but we must concentrate on the plan we have laid out prior to the season's start. We will hopefully showcase riders at these events simultaneously." states team VP, Ryan Rish. Stay tuned for further updates in the coming weeks.
March 2, 2008
All systems are go! Team Inferno concluded its week-long camp today and the team is all fired up. Hosted by LH Thomson Co., in Macon, GA, the camp was attended by 13 riders, 6 staff, 4 volunteers and 5 sponsor representatives.
Photo credit - Grant Blankenship
The event was filled with bike fits by Wobble-Naught, training seminars by AltoLab and SolRX, great rides and tons of photo sessions with Grant Blankenship. The camp was a tremendous success and all of the riders in attendance were fit and anxious for the season kick off in Jacksonville, FL, at the Jacksonville Cycling Classic. This marks our first stop on the NRC Calendar and the first of our criterium campaign.
February 28, 2008
Inferno scores yet another USA ProTour invitation! Priority Health Tour de Leelanau, to be held May 25, 2008 will see the presence of a formidable Inferno Pro Cycling roster. The single day road race roster will be heavily contested as the ProTour season will be heading to the half way mark. Be sure to attend and cheer on your favorite Team Inferno rider!
Tour de Leelanau Roster:
- Andy Applegate (USA)
- Joe Cooper (NZL)
- Josh England (NZL)
- Ryan Gamm (USA)
- Christian Parrett (USA)
- Tim Swain (USA)
- Matt Winstead (USA)
February 8, 2008
Team Inferno Pro Cycling welcomes another quality sponsor to the growing family. SolRX is the manufacturer of the world's finest water blocks and sunscreens, and is now an official team supplier.
We are excited to utilize and promote the finest sun block lotions on the planet! For more information, visit SolRX.com.
February 1, 2008
The world has lost a hero, and now must say good bye to a devoted husband, father and industry mogul. Ronnie Thomson, founder and CEO of LH Thompson Co., has passed.
Ronnie has left behind a legacy. He was a staunch supporter of our sport, our team, his friends and his family. You will be sorely missed, Ronnie.
We are deeply saddened by this sudden loss. Our condolences and well wishes are extended to any and everyone close to Mr. Thompson. May he rest in peace.
January 11, 2008
Finished product from Champion System is finally unveiled! Team Inferno Pro Cycling, AKA Inferno, Inc., will again be trying to set the style bar that much higher in 2008. Thank you to MATTEO Studios and Champion System for their hard labors and fished result. Kits will be made available to the public by contacting the team.
January 10, 2008
Inferno Racing LLC confirms media partnership with ROAD Magazine!
Already the leading mag of choice for this program, ROAD has agreed to follow the team and let the world know of our missions and talents. Be sure to pick up the February issue to get the first of many Team Inferno Pro Cycling stories and team product reviews. To subscribe, visit roadmagazine.net.
January 8, 2008
Inferno has added its final rider for 2008! Joe Cooper comes stateside after a successful 2007 season with Discovery-Marco Polo. The 2006 U23 New Zealand National Road Race Champion joins his fellow countrymen and Subway NZL teammates, Josh England and Hayden Godfrey.
January 7, 2008
TEAM SCORES US PROTOUR EVENT INVITATION! Team Inferno Pro Cycling has received and confirmed its invitation to the Tour of Pennsylvania, to be held June 24-29. The U25 event is the highest prize purse stage race of its kind, anywhere. Be sure to follow the daily results during the Tour of Pennsylvania and cheer on your favorite Inferno rider!
