As Floyd’s Of Leadville Pro Cycling Team renames to Floyd’s Pro Cycling, the team also announces first-round signings and a bike sponsor.
Team director Gordon Fraser highlights FPC’s goals upon inheriting the infrastructure and mission of Silber Pro Cycling, the Canadian UCI Continental team formed in 2013, saying “We’re going to focus on developing the best young cycling talent in Canada while expanding to recruit some of North America’s most dynamic and proven riders.”
Early signings include:
- Travis McCabe (USA) – formerly of UHC
- Serghei Tvetcov (Rom)- formerly of UHC
- Nick Zukowsky (Can)- returning from Silber team
- Keegan Swirbul (USA)- formerly of Jelly Belly
- Jonathan Clarke (AUS)- formerly of UHC
- Carson Miles (Can)- raced 2018 Junior Worlds
- Robin Plamondon (Can)- raced 2018 Junior Worlds
Landis and Fraser are also excited to announce that they will be competing aboard Van Dessel bicycles in 2019. Van Dessel’s expertise in multi-surface applications will be in play as the team adds gravel and mtb events to their race calendar, starting in Canada on April 28 with Paris to Ancaster.
“Once we decided to race cross-category, partnering with Van Dessel made perfect sense,” added Fraser.
The FPC’s 2019 season will be funded by Floyd Landis’ personal contribution of funds. The team’s organization in Canada had introduced some legal hurdles due to the changing landscape of Canadian cannabis laws, and sponsorship by Floyd’s U.S . companies. But Landis says he’s committed to supporting the team no matter what.
“Canada is sorting out the legalities surrounding CBD and athletics,” Landis says. “My commitment to the team remains unchanged regardless of what it needs to be called. After years of litigation, I have no desire to enter another lengthy legal battle over the name.”
About the Roster:
FPC is destined to make an impact with the talented list of riders on the 2019 roster. Heading the list of early signings is Arizona native Travis McCabe. He’s been a frequent visitor to the podium in the past five years with stage wins in Utah, Colorado, Gila, and Redlands, as well as abroad in Langkawi and the Herald Sun Tour. He’s a versatile sprinter who can win both criteriums and high-altitude stages. His engaging personality and enthusiasm for cycling fit in well with Floyd’s expanded goal of gravel and mountain bike events.
Another notable new name is US-based Romanian Serghei Tvetcov. Serghei has worn leader jerseys in most US stage races and hung on to overall victory in many of them. A world-class time trialist, he comes from the United Healthcare team and brings leadership and professionalism to FPC. That experience will be shored up by Jonathan Clarke, a seasoned veteran and former captain of UHC, Jelly Belly, and Toyota.
Former Jelly Belly rider Keegan Swirbul finished well in 2018, with excellent performances in Utah and Colorado and FPC is excited to see what he can accomplish alongside his new teammates.
Returning riders include Emile Jean and Nick Zukowsky. Emile Jean starts his fourth season with the organization, bringing proven speed and valuable teamwork to the squad. In 2018, Zukowsky won the Canadian Criterium Championships and had numerous encouraging performances on GC and in TTs, including finishing 21st at the U23 World Championships.
Twenty-year-old Zukowsky will highlight a group of promising U23 riders signed by FPC, including two riders emerging from the Junior ranks, Carson Miles and Robin Plamondon. Both riders represented Canada at the 2018 World Championships and will benefit from the tutelage of their teammates.
Ron is the chief cook and bottlewasher at Bike World News, doing everything from website design to bike reviews.
Websites:
Bike World News
Ron’s Bike Garage
Current Bike Quiver:
Bird Bikes Zero 29 29″ hardtail mountain bike
Commencal Absolut 26″ Dirt Jump/Pump Track bike
Commencal Tempo 29″ full suspension mountain bike
Felt ZA 700c race bike
Kona Kilauea vintage 26″ mountain bike
Niner RLT9 700c road/gravel bike
Specialized Stumpjumper vintage 26″ mountain bike
Day Job: Digital Marketing
Night Job: Digital Marketing, eCommerce Consultant, Web Consultant, Bike Shop Operator, Husband, Dad, Tenor