On Saturday September 12, the Berks County Regional Cycling Team will be competing in the inaugural Reading 120. The composite team of regional riders will be looking to mix it up with the pro and national teams competing in the event.
“It’s an honor and huge responsibility to be in a UCI 1.2 race, especially when it’s in your hometown,” said Team Director Nick Price. “When I heard about the possibility of the race last March, I contacted the race director about forming a composite team for the event.”
Berks Country Regional Cycling Team and Team Skyline will be the two local teams representing Reading and Berks County.
Having managed Dynaflo Racing for over a decade, the team’s management and support staff will be well equipped to support the teams’s efforts.
“We went with the name Berks County Regional Cycling to showcase how awesome the riding is here in Berks County,” said Price.  “The team is sponsored by Dynaflo Pumps, JB Mountain Bikes, h20 kitchen, Starlight Custom Apparel, CBL Custom Apparel, Nick Price-Re/Max of Reading and A&T Subaru. What we were able to accomplish from a sponsorship standpoint over the last 3 months has been amazing.”
The team hand picked riders from Berks County and the Mid-Atlantic region.  As the captain, Berks County native John DeLong, brings his experience as a  former pro rider for Saturn, Rite Aid and Snow Valley.  DeLong brings a world-wide approach with having years of experience racing in Belgium, as well as 10 other countries.
Another Berks County resident will bring speed and power to the team. Two time Olympian and 24 time national champion Bobby Lea brings years of experience from the road and track.
“When Bobby committed to riding for us, it was awesome,” said Price. “Anyone who knows Bobby knows the level of professionalism he brings to the table. Not only has Bobby proven to sprint with the best in the world, he also, as a track rider, can hang on the longer races and get over climbs that most track riders would suffer on.”
Expanding to the greater Philadelphia area, Ryan Rapolas brings his experience from the QCW-Breakaway Bikes team. He was the 2013 PA State Road Race Champion and is a solid overall rider.
“Riding for a well established team like Breakaway, we’re excited to have Ryan onboard from a results and leadership standpoint,” commented Price.  “I’ve always admired the program they’ve put together at Breakaway, so we knew Ryan would be a great addition.”
The team has also enlisted Taylor Pearman, Sean Gardner and Mike Reidenbach, all from Virginia. The young trio raced together at Virginia Tech, and are looking to show off their talents. Each of these young riders have also been under John DeLong’s tutelage.
“Mike is coming off a big performance winning the road race at the Tour de Millersburg and 3rd place overall in the general classification, as well as a win at the time trial at the Killington Stage Race,” explained Price. ” Taylor recently won the Tour of Washington County, as well as a 3rd overall at the Tour de Millersburg and 5th overall at the collegiant national road race.  Sean is coming off big performances winning the Tour of Tucker County Road race and placing 7th overall at collegiant national road race.”
With less than a month until professional cycling returns to Reading, PA, the team is excited for the opportunity to race.
“We’re anxiously counting down the days,” said Price.  “To be able to direct a professional team and for some of our riders to race in a professional race so close to their house, is amazing and we’re taking full advantage of the opportunity.”
Heckling Editor, Image Taker, Crash Test Dummy, and Beard Master at Bikeworldnews.com
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Location – Lancaster, PA
Current Testing Rigs – 2024 Van Dessel Arch65, 2019 Van Dessel Full Tilt Boogie, 2018 Van Dessel Motivus Maximus LTD, 2016 Van Dessel Whiskey Tango Foxtrot, 2015 Bianchi Sempre Pro, 1978 Trek TX900
Dream Bike – I’ll tell you when they make it
Discipline – Cyclocross, gravel, road and duathlons (ride/run)
Favorite Rides – Quiet country roads of Amish Country, some of the best roads around.
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