Podium Sports Group Launching Professional Cycling Team
Podium Sports Group launching professional men's and women's cycling teams.
SCOTTSDALE, Ariz., Jan. 12, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- The Podium Sports Group announced today the launching of a project to build a world-class American professional cycling organization. The company, headquartered in Scottsdale, Arizona, will field men's and women's professional cycling teams to compete in the 2017 racing season.
Podium's plan is to standup the organization in 2016 and ensure its long-term financial stability. It will begin racing on the North American Continental Tour next year and as it gains experience expects to advance to the Pro Continental and then on to the UCI World Tour in next few years. "We think cycling, and particularly professional cycling, is in a transition period," said Podium President Dr. Jack O'Connor. "It seems the professional side of the sport is moving on from the PED (performance enhancing drugs) era and cycling in general into a time of increasing popularity with more and more amateur and recreational participation. We believe the United States has an abundance of very talented men and women riders who, if given the opportunity and proper financial support, can be world class and take the US back to the top of the sport. We find it interesting that few of riders on the three American registered UCI teams are Americans. In fact, there only about 25 US riders on the World Tour, we want to change that. Our team plan is to field Americancentric teams that can successfully compete at world level. We have the leadership and business acumen that is necessary to build a sustainable cycling organization – but one with a little different model than traditional pro teams. We're putting a lot of effort and emphasis on the amateur club and public/fan segments of the sport. We're off to a good start and excited about the prospects."
Part of not-for-profit Podium Sports Group's plan is to have a national outreach program that promotes active and healthy lifestyles. It intends to use its sports platform to engage the public through public events and team appearances. According to Dr. Ed Perlstein, Podium's Chairman, "Cycling is an activity that virtually everyone has done at one time or another. It's a great life long physical activity and promotes health and wellbeing. It's also great outdoor fun. We will be working with our partner-sponsors to use our national visibility to positively influence public health, a different image than cycling has had in the past. This is an important aspect of our non-profit mission."
Podium has launched its website: podiumsg.com and begun soliciting partners-sponsors. "We've been in contact with a number of companies and folks in the cycling community including USA Cycling, and have had nothing but positive responses," said O'Connor. The group plans to stand-up its professional staff this Summer and extend contracts to riders in September.
To learn more about Podium Sports Group, please contact:
Amy Foley
Podium Sports Group
Office: 480-854-9955
PO Box 20341
Mesa, AZ 85277
Email: [email protected]
SOURCE Poduim Sports Group
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