09/27/2016
It is with a heavy heart that we announce the end of Blue Ridge Development Cycling team. In ending the team and page, I would like to make a few closing remarks on behalf of the team to our many followers and supporters.
Blue Ridge development began as a way for Virginia Tech collegiate cyclists to race together during the summer, and we saw tremendous growth and results over our initial season. We placed high in a number of races, and saw all of our category 4 riders upgrade to category 3. Most importantly, we developed as young adults and cyclists on and off the bike, and growing together as students and cyclists was and has been tremendously rewarding.
In the beginning we were as grassroots as it gets; we had one industry sponsor, Starlight, and were graciously supported by Bluestone Bike and Run. Both Starlight and Bluestone were a huge help in beginning the team, helping us take it from an idea of a few college guys to an actual USAC 'development' team. Stratton from Starlight and Kyle from Bluestone have been great allies from day one and to them we give many thanks for everything they have done for us.
After a great first season, we set our goals much higher, securing close to ten total industry sponsors and increased support from our original sponsors. This turned out to be a huge task, and came with mixed results. We saw growth within the team, but were falling short of our initial goal: developing young talent within Virginia.
The collegiate season came and went, leaving us exhausted from racing back to back almost every weekend. Each of our team riders either is an active collegiate A racer, or was a collegiate A racer. The season is long and kicks off in the late winter and follows through May. Almost all of us raced every weekend and at the close of the season, had burnt out on racing. With a resoundingly bad result at the Tour of Washington County, a part of the team decided to call off racing for the season. Other members of the team found success at other races, but, as a whole, we failed to deliver on a racing goals, and that is something that is hard to face.
This decision was not made easily, as BRD was a team effort in its beginning and was built on the backs and hard work of everyone involved. Building a team is not an easy task, and expanding it is another process in its own right. As students, riders, employees, and family members, it was initially hard to manage the team in its beginning, but, in trying to expand and recruit new riders, it became something we couldn't effectively manage with our other commitments.
Supporting younger riders will ensure the future so cycling, and the end of one development team will hopefully spur the start of another. It is hard to see the team end, but it is something management can no longer sustain to a degree that would honor our mission.
Thank you to our sponsors Starlight Custom Cycling Apparel and Bluestone Bike & Run for being by our sides from day one. It is unfortunate we can no longer sustain the team, but there would very likely be no team without the help of Stratton and Kyle.
To Maddox and Son construction and Raven Rock 4X4, we our give our thanks. Each year they have helped lower kit costs for the team and pay for our registration; two things which greatly helped grow the team and keep costs low for college students eager to race in the summer.
To Ridge Supply, we appreciate you letting us be a part of your brand toward its beginning and it was exciting to see it grow into what it is today.
To Udderly Smooth®, it has been an absolute blast working with you and promoting your brand. From the chamois cream to the cow hats it has been all smiles from us and we cant thank you enough for your contribution to the team.
To Hammer Nutrition, GiroSportDesign, and J. White Racing and Fitness we also thank you for contributing to the team and helping us grow.
A final thank you to everyone along the way who has helped us grow and hopefully this will not have been in vain. Supporting our youth in cycling is undeniably the most important factor in securing the future of our sport.
We will keep the page up until the end of the month.
