Hot Route Racing is excited to announce its new partnership with GIANT Bicycles USA. Together they will re-launch a very successful domestic grassroots program started by GIANT in 2013. The new team will be branded – GIANT Racing. Athletes are spread across the South, Southwest and Central sales regions. Lead by defending National Elite Criterium Champion – Daniel “Hollywood” Holloway – the team includes veterans with professional experience mixed with younger talent that should make 2016 a wild ride for followers and fans.
“We have a lot of new goals and races we expect to be on the podium at this year. I saw a lot of progression from some of the younger guys I raced with last year, specifically Mac and Nate. I look forward to seeing these guys take another step or 3 as we aim to be very competitive again this year. Merging with the core athletes from GIANT’s initial grassroots program not only should allow us to control the whole peloton, but it adds to our ability to win solo or from a breakaway” commented Daniel when asked about 2016 and the merge with GIANT.
With athletes located in nearly a dozen major markets, authorized GIANT retailers can expect an impact at the grassroots level and an influence on consumers. One of the teams Co-Captains and former professional – Geoff Godsey – who represents GIANT Bicycles USA believes the partnership makes sense for both parties.
“Hot Route Racing is a non-profit organization focused on promoting healthy lifestyles, bike safety and engaging today’s youth through the sport of cycling. This mission is very aligned with key core values at GIANT. Daniel is probably one of the most captivating and talented riders in the US right now. Guys he has surrounded himself with include former teammates of mine as well some of the best new talent in the US. Teaming up with him, the guys responsible for his successful 2015 and adding the core group of athletes GIANT has been supporting since day one who have experienced a ton of success in their own right just makes sense for both Hot Route Racing and GIANT”.
Returning to support Daniel will be veteran’s Marco Aledia, Chad Hartley and Jim Stemper. Marco brings a wealth of experience having competed at the sports highest level. Chad Hartley also raced professionally more than a decade in the US adding a range of talent and tactical experience. He will also work with Geoff Godsey to operate and manage team logistics as well as help the athletes find every possible avenue to gain speed out on the road. Jim Stemper is also returning and a former professional who was a major contributor at the NCC multiday criterium events. His determination, grit and overall ability to suffer combined with his relaxed demeanor off the bike is part of what keeps the team motivated and moral high. A complete roster and official team introduction will be made the week prior to the official team launch in Austin, TX – February 27th & 28th.
2016 Focus
In 2016 the team will continue more of the same with a specific focus on winning the largest criterium events produced in the North American. GIANT Racing will also select some specific road, stage race and CX events that best suit athletes on the roster. One of the key partners looking to make a splash in the sport is Intelligentsia Coffee (www.intelligentsiacoffee.com). Intelligentsia approached Hot Route Racing in the fall of 2015. Not only were they excited about being involved with the team, but also the opportunity to be co-branded with GIANT. Together and new for 2016, Intelligentsia is going to support the team at select Red Hook criteriums throughout the US and Europe.
“I am very excited to try something new. I’ve never raced any of the events on the series and a fixed gear on the road for that matter. I am not sure how it will play out but we will field a competitive squad at each event and I have a lot of respect for what those guys do. I think I can speak for the whole team in saying we look forward to the challenge and we will see how it goes” says Holloway.
Key Brand & Product Partners
The merge with GIANT includes several additional key partnerships critical to the team’s overall success in 2016. This year’s partners include: Pioneer Electronics, Richey Bicycle Components, Zevlin, Panaracer, ONYX Racing Products & ENVE Composites
Website: hotrouteracing.org
Photo © Christy Nicholson / EchelonDesignPhoto.com
