Year: 2019

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Victory for Castillo at Winston Salem

The Elevate-KHS Pro Cycling Team returned to Winston Salem to defend Sam Bassetti’s 2018 victory. Being the top ranked team in America and a roster of 7 strong contenders, the team was poised for a great race at the UCI 1.2 single day race.

The early portion of the race saw the team protecting the front of the peloton as several non-threatening moves get up the road. Eventually George Simpson attacked across and went solo, generating enough of a gap to become the move of the day.

The plan for the day was to keep James Piccoli, Sam Bassetti, George Simpson and Ulises Castillo protected until two hours into the race. This put the brunt of the workload on Gavin Hoover, Eric Young and Alfredo Rodriguez to ensure the breakaways were in check and contenders fueled for the final moves.

“At that point in the race it really felt like the break was going to go. Even though no one came with me, it was a good opportunity to put myself up the road because I knew that a group was likely to come across later,” stated Simpson.

The day was heating up and the humidity in North Carolina was taking its toll on the peloton. Simpson came prepared as “during the spring and summer I always prepare for hot races as part my normal training. I like seeing some hot weather in the forecast because I know I’ll be ready.”

Teammate Ulises Castillo bridged across to the move with several other riders, making it a group of 5 to contend the final laps of the race. With two in the move, Simpson knew the odds were in their favor. “We wanted to stick together all the way to the finish. With both of us there we were confident we could win the sprint from our group,” recalled Simpson as he and Ulises planned for the finale.

On the final climb, it was down to three riders with Aevolo’s Villalobos making the attack to attempt to shed the duo. Ulises quickly got on the wheel with George next, ready to lead his teammate out. Ulises crossed the line first Simpson finishing an impressive 2nd in his debut at the event. “I’m pumped for Ulises, the team, and myself. I feels great to keep the momentum the team gained at the Tour of the Gila going and it makes you that much more excited for the races we have left this season.”

This was also Ulises Castillo’s first time racing in Winston Salem. After his win, Castillo was grateful for the teamwork that went into the result.  “I was really excited for it, and I really like that style of racing. It is a big win for me and my teammates. When you see the team giving all on the road for a teammate, you give extra to do your best. I am so glad to be here.”

Follow the team on social media:

Facebook: www.facebook.com/elevatekhscycling/

Instagram: @elevatekhsprocycling

Thank you to our 2019 Partners:

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Get Outside

KHS Bicycles - Get Outside

Two weeks ago, KHS rider Logan Binggeli was invited by Get Outside Utah to, well get outside. Logan spend the afternoon with students from Snow Canyon High School in St. George Utah riding and talking to them about the benefits of being outside and staying active.

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Historic Win at Tour of the Gila

Elevate KHS Team Rider crosses the mountain top first

Photo Credit: Casey B. Gibson

The Elevate-KHS Pro Cycling Team began the UCI 2.2 Tour of the Gila with high expectations. Coming off of 2nd overall at both the Tour of Taiwan and Joe Martin Stage Race, the team was poised to fight for the win.

The team was fully committed to setting up climbing sensation James Piccoli for a solo win atop Mogollon, stage 1. The mountain top finish awarded Piccoli both the Red Leaders Jersey as well as the Polka Dot KOM Jersey.

Stage 1 Podium: 1st James Piccoli; 2nd Oscar Sevilla; 3rd Eder Frayre

Stage 2 proved to be challenging from the gun with a sprint point line within the first 5 miles. The team diligently protected their leader against the threatening breakaways and kept each one in check until Floyd’s of Leadville setup for the lead-out and final sprint to the line. It was a big success for the team to protect and maintain both of the jersey’s within the stage.

The Stage 3 Individual Time Trial was one that the team had been targeting for the season. George Simpson would be the first of the squad to tackle the 16.5 mile course and he set the fastest time of the day, placing him in the hot seat until the final riders finished the course.

He was only unseated by teammate Adam Roberge who finished 2nd and Serge Tvetkov who won the stage. Red Jersey wearer James Picolli finished a close 4th. With 3 team riders in the top 4, the team took over the Team General Classification as well as Adam Roberge moving to 3rd Overall and donning the White U23 Rider Jersey.

Stage 3 Podium: 1st Serge Tvetkov; 2nd Adam Roberge; 3rd George Simpson

The Downtown Silver City Criterium is always a fan and racer favorite. The 4-corner course includes rough pavement, a steep climb and fast descent into the final turn. The peloton was animated from the gun, with riders attempting to take sprint points as well as time bonuses with the hopes of getting into a breakaway that would stick to the finish.

However, the team had other plans with sprinters Young and Rodriguez on hand to fight for the win. With 4 laps remaining, the team methodically took the front and ensured no riders could escape. In the final lap, Floyd’s of Leadville took over the front, which allowed Young to slot in and get ready for his final sprint into the 4th and last turn. He held this position to the line, winning the stage with teammate Rodriguez slotting in for 3rd on the day.

Stage 4 of the 2019 Tour of the Gila, Men’s Criterium, Silver City, NM

The 5th and final stage tackles the Gila Monster which leaves no prisoners. The main team objective was to retain the Red Leader’s Jersey which meant all-hands were on deck to combat the GC threats. With diligent work and precision from all 8 members of the team, Picolli finished 5th on the day, solidifying the overall victory.

This win marks the first UCI Stage Race overall victory for the team, which is something to be celebrated. Without the dedication and commitment from all our riders, partners and fans, this result could not have happened. Thank you!

Follow the team on social media:

Facebook: www.facebook.com/elevatekhscycling/

Instagram: @elevatekhsprocycling

Thank you to our 2019 Partners:

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Sea Otter’s Crown Event

Sea Otter Classic is always a great event and the crowning event is the Dual Slalom race. everyone and their grandma come out for the finals and it is always an epic race. This years race did not disappoint, and the KHS Factory team had some of their best racing to date. CHEK IT OUT!