After two years of supporting a US men’s domestic elite team that amassed more than 30 victories, Best Buddies International announced today it would “retire” the Best Buddies Racing (opens in new tab) programme, effective at the end of the current 2022 contract.
Best Buddies Racing were most dominant on the criterium racing scene in the US, leading the men’s team standings in the 10-race American Criterium Cup (opens in new tab). The team secured the team title in early September at the final event that was part of the Bommarito Audi Gateway Cup, with two riders, Alfredo Rodriguez and Bryan Gomez, finishing third and fourth overall, respectively, in the individual points competition.
“Best Buddies will retire the racing team and shift its focus to building a more inclusive cycling community by engaging diverse, prospective, and new riders, while promoting our mission of one-to-one friendships, integrated employment, leadership development, and inclusive living for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities,” read a statement from management.
They will redirect resources from bike racing to bike riding with an emphasis on a new Ambassador programme that will include Chris Froome (opens in new tab) (Israel-Premier Tech) and Tom Pidcock (opens in new tab)(Ineos Grenadiers). Cyclingnews has learned that the WorldTour duo are scheduled to attend a Best Buddies Challenge event in Miami, Florida on November 18, a 75-mile event limited to 50 riders.
“Over the past two years, the Best Buddies Racing team has created a strong foundation built on inclusion and sheer passion to increase awareness about the Best Buddies mission, while expanding the organization’s efforts to open up the world of cycling to a new generation of riders,” said Anthony K. Shriver, founder, chairman and CEO of Best Buddies International, which was founded in 1989.
“We are incredibly grateful for the teams’ efforts and look forward to the launch of our new professional cyclists Ambassador initiative led by four-time Tour De France champion Chris Froome and Tom Pidcock, in addition to exciting new developments that will complement the Best Buddies Challenges and Best Buddies Breakaway Camps cycling initiatives.”
A Breakaway Camp will be held in Asheville, North Carolina from September 21 to 25 while a Best Buddies Challenge will take place October 15 in Marin, California. There are also cycling adventures that “allow for a more inclusive…
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