New National-level Cycling Program Dedicated to Championing Young Riders

PHILADELPHIA, Feb. 20, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- A new cycling team has formed with the goal of providing talented young cyclists with the opportunity to compete in some of the nation's most challenging races. Radnor, PA-based Airgas, Inc. (NYSE: ARG) has stepped up to co-sponsor the D3Devo p/b Airgas Cycling Team as they compete in the 2013 USA Crit Champions Series and other select events throughout the US.

"On behalf of the Philadelphia community, I am thrilled to share that a group of local residents has come together and collectively decided to give young, developing riders the chance to compete at national events in our region and across the US," Philadelphia Mayor Michael Nutter said. "The city of Philadelphia is a strong cycling community and it gives me great pleasure to help announce that we now have a national-level team based here in the city."

D3Devo p/b Airgas will be one of the ten teams featured in the 2013 USA Crit Championship Series, which consists of ten races in ten states beginning in March and continuing through September. In addition, the athletes will also focus on the USA Cycling National Championship events and select UCI race opportunities.

With locations throughout the US and a strong employee culture, Airgas saw a unique opportunity to work with D3Devo to help support the sport of cycling while also providing a gateway for their employees and families to be involved in the sport.

"We have a number of cyclists within Airgas and we saw a unique opportunity to work with the D3Devo team to not only help support the sport and young athletes, but to also give back to the community," said Michael Molinini, Airgas President and Chief Executive Officer. "It's a good opportunity for our employees to get involved in supporting the team at events throughout the country and in supporting the sport of cycling."

"I'm proud to have a great group of athletes to work with in our inaugural season," said Team Director Christopher Johnson. "Being able to provide these talented young cyclists the opportunity to compete on a national level is incredibly exciting, as it's an invaluable tool for developing the future stars of the sport."

Pennsylvania Cycling Association President David Mitchell also expressed his enthusiasm when asked about the new team. "I think it's just great! We have a lot of talented cyclists from this area and a program with these types of goals is great for the growth of the sport!"

The season kicks off for the team in March with a training camp in Arizona followed by the Old Pueblo Grand Prix in Tucson on March 9th.  

In addition to Airgas, team sponsors include IRC tire USA, Rudy Project, Clif Bar, Vermarc USA, SIDI America and ENVE Composites.

For more information on the team please visit www.D3Devo.com

PRLog ID: www.prlog.org/12083257

SOURCE D3Devo