The New Mercy Elite Cycling Team

Mercy Cycling Rolls into 2011 With new sponsors, a new look, and an improved roster

The Mercy Elite Cycling Team has begun its 2011 campaign like no other season in the storied 16 year history of the team. For the first time Mercy Cycling will be on the best bikes in the world, built by one of biggest manufacturers in the world, Trek Bicycles. “It is an honor to be riding Trek bicycles. They bring a legacy of building bikes at the highest quality,” says Team Director, Adam Mills. Mills adds, “To have organizations like the Trek Stores and Mercy Hospitals behind the team is truly a wonderful synergy in the making. Mercy’s “Healthification” initiative pairs perfectly with cycling and the health benefits associated with the sport. Also, the new addition of Reynolds wheels and the continuing investment by Challenge tires makes our equipment some of the best out there.”

The Mercy Cycling schedule will focus on NRC and major regional events in the Midwest and the team is comprised of young, emerging talent, mentored by experienced, seasoned veterans. Each rider was selected based upon their strength and personality. The mission of the Mercy Elite Cycling Team is to: Promote sportsmanship and cycling as healthy lifestyle activity, while providing talented young riders with the resources and guidance necessary to make the transition into the professional ranks.

Elite Roster: Brad Cole, Chris Hall, Colton Jarisch, Aaron Pool, Tom Price, Bill Marshall, Adam Mills, Shadd Smith

Development Roster: Jason Knight, Luke Lininger, Austin Vinton, Logan VonBokel

Sponsors include: Mercy Hospitals, Trek Bicycle Stores: Omaha- Kansas City- Saint Louis, Reynolds Wheels, Challenge Tires, Zero Mountain, Inc., Yaffee Iron & Metal, SRAM, Oakley, Verge, Source Endurance, Stephens Production, Dr. John Kareus.

(don't worry, the kit's will be Red, not Pink!)

It's pretty exciting stuff for me. I'm going to be doing some bigger races and working with the younger riders to get results. The team is a mix of older experienced guys that bring many different talents, to young guys that are new to the sport, and a few that are somewhere in between. This year Joe Schmalz has jumped from Mercy Cycling to Elbowz Racing, a team that is the step between Mercy and a Pro team. Hopefully we can take one of our young guys and help them move up the ladder as well.

On a unrelated note, I picked up this link to a euro cross compilation that is pretty cool from Justin's blog. This weekend is the last euro cross race but the planning is well under way for the KCCX crew for 2011.